Whether you’re considering a change of career or just starting out, here are a few options to help you explore pathways into horticulture
If you have a love for the great outdoors, are passionate about plants and nature, or are inquisitive with the natural world and science, then a career in horticulture could be for you
Learn while you work – apprenticeships are paid opportunities with an employer, with an added 20% off the job training time. You can find out more on the Government apprenticeship website or our RHS Apprenticeships page.
Many colleges and other training providers run full-time courses in horticulture. These are useful if you wish to dedicate a significant amount of time to training in one go. Find out more on the National Land Based College website.
Part-time courses are useful if you are looking to retrain, or have life commitments which mean you cannot devote yourself to study full time. Find out more on our RHS Qualifications pages or the National Land Based College website.
There is a strong tradition of work-based training in the horticultural industry. Many gardens and organisations offer training opportunities with their expert horticultural teams. These vary in length and content, and may or may not lead to a regulated qualification. Find out more on the RHS School of Horticulture page.
There are many other training locations, some to consider are:RBG Kew | RBG Edinburgh | National Botanical Garden of Wales | Cambridge University Botanic Garden | Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum | University of Bristol Botanic Garden | Tresco Abbey Garden | Birmingham Botanical Gardens
In 2014, we worked with partners in the horticulture sector to tackle the growing skills shortage. Created in partnership with others in the horticultural sector the Horticulture Matters report outlined steps the industry and Government should take to address the growing skills crisis in the sector. This has since been taken forward by the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG).
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
