The placement is a one-year programme of paid work experience with some specialist study
Learners will spend a year working with a specific garden department, assisting the team with day-to-day cultivation and maintenance tasks. Placements for 2021 will be available at all five RHS Gardens.
Applications are closed
Applications for learners and Specialist Horticultural Placement’s (SHPs) across all gardens have now closed.
Wisley placements
The following teams at Wisley accept Specialist Horticultural learners:
- Ornamental – formal, herbaceous or woodland
- Alpine
- Edibles
- Glass
- Garden support services
- Nursery and propagation
- Trials
- Welcome and riverside
- Arboriculture (existing arboricultural experience, qualifications and or tickets are required for this role)
Harlow Carr placements
The following teams at Harlow Carr accept Specialist Horticultural learners:
- Edibles (productive)
- Nursery and propagation
Rosemoor placements
The following teams at Rosemoor accept Specialist Horticultural learners:
Hyde Hall placements
The following teams at Hyde Hall accept Specialist Horticultural learners:
- Countryside and estate
- Floral and ornamental
- Nursery and propagation
Bridgewater placements
The following teams at Bridgewater accept Specialist Horticultural learners:
- Edibles
- Floral and ornamental
- Turf and meadows
Entry requirements
Applicants are expected, as a minimum, to hold a Level 2 horticultural qualification such as a National Certificate in Horticulture, Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship or RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.
Applicants should have:
- A keen interest in the role being advertised
- At least two GCSEs (or equivalents) in English and maths
- At least three months’ worth of practical work experience in a professional horticultural environment
- Experience using basic horticultural machinery, equipment and/or tools
- Experience working as an individual and as part of a team
- Openness to working with new individuals across the garden on a regular basis
- Experience working with customers/visitors in a professional environment, and experience giving good customer service
- A flexible approach to working (e.g. weekend work will be required on a regular basis, and evening work will be required from time-to-time)
Please take a look at the job description on our recruitment site for full applicant criteria.
Applicants from overseas are considered, on condition that non-EU nationals are able to obtain an appropriate work visa. Please note that the RHS is unable to sponsor any visa applications. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential and evidence to that effect will be requested.
How to apply – applications are closed
Applications for learners and Specialist Horticultural Placement’s (SHPs) across all gardens have now closed.
Learner life at RHS Gardens
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Thank you to our supporters
Our work-based training programmes are only possible with funding from our supporters. We are very grateful for the help we have received so far.
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