Work Experience

Immerse yourself in the day-to-day workings of our gardens, learning alongside professionals to gain invaluable skills and experience

Whether you're a school student aged 14–18 or an adult aged 18+, you can gain professional experience at one of our renowned RHS Gardens through our work experience programme. This opportunity is a great way to enhance your CV with hands-on experience at the UK’s leading horticultural charity.

Here's what you could experience

Work Experience

Work Experience Opportunities at the RHS

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Available Placements

Our placements are up to one week long and aim to provide you with broad experience. You’ll be part of the team, learning from professionals, and getting hands-on experience in various tasks.

Different placements are available within teams across each of our RHS Gardens. You can check which placements are available before applying on our application portal.

These include, but are not limited to:

Garden

Garden

Science & Collections

Science & Collections

Retail

Retail

Visitor Services

Visitor Services

Education and Learning

Education and Learning

What you’ll get

During your placement, you’ll:

  • Gain hands-on experience in a professional environment
  • Develop skills alongside experts, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions
  • Discover more about career paths in horticulture and the opportunities available for further growth
Where could it lead?

A work experience placement with the RHS can help you:

  • Choose relevant subjects and courses in school, college, or university
  • Gain practical skills for your CV
  • Explore a wide variety of careers in horticulture
  • Learn about other RHS career initiatives such as apprenticeships and internships
What you’ll need

To apply:

  • School Work Experience: You must be aged 14-18 and currently studying
  • Adult Work Experience (18+): Applicants must be over 18 and can apply for placements subject to availability

Equipment:

  • Safety boots and gloves will be provided for roles that require them, along with waterproof clothing if needed.
  • Wear practical clothing and closed-toe footwear suitable for the season.
  • Be prepared for outdoor work, especially if placed in Gardening, Retail, or Visitor Services teams.

Next Steps

To view and apply for available opportunities, visit the relevant application portal below.

If you have further questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or email the New Shoots team at [email protected].

Please note: Application portal is managed by Better Impact on behalf of the RHS. When applying for work experience, you will be governed by both the RHS and Better Impact’s privacy notices. Please read both privacy notices before you apply.

T-level industry placements at the RHS

If you are studying for the T-Level Agriculture, Land Management and Production, you can undertake your compulsory industry placement within one of our horticultural teams at RHS Garden Wisley or RHS Garden Bridgewater.

  • Get real-life experience of working as part of the team in one of the UK’s most prestigious public gardens.

  • Learn hands-on alongside knowledgeable, skilled and experienced horticulturists about managing plant collections.
  • Be involved in day-to-day tasks in a diverse range of areas such as growing edible crops from around the world, managing woodlands, or learning how to be environmentally aware.

If you would like to undertake your T-Level with us, please contact [email protected] with the subject ‘T-Level’.
If you have a question on T-Level, please see our Frequently Asked Questions. 

Hear from our students

“I loved the work I did within my week of work experience, making me want to possibly start a career in horticulture”

“I loved the work I did within my week of work experience, making me want to possibly start a career in horticulture”

“I enjoyed working with plants and being educated on how products are made sustainable to help protect the environment”

“I enjoyed working with plants and being educated on how products are made sustainable to help protect the environment”

“I felt I really broadened my understanding of their work and different roles they had within the site”

“I felt I really broadened my understanding of their work and different roles they had within the site”

“I loved the work I did within my week of work experience, making me want to possibly start a career in horticulture”

“I loved the work I did within my week of work experience, making me want to possibly start a career in horticulture”

“I enjoyed working with plants and being educated on how products are made sustainable to help protect the environment”

“I enjoyed working with plants and being educated on how products are made sustainable to help protect the environment”

“I felt I really broadened my understanding of their work and different roles they had within the site”

“I felt I really broadened my understanding of their work and different roles they had within the site”

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See the range of options on offer

Browse our programmes

Teachers, parents, career advisors

Information

If you have a question on work experience, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section. 

FAQs

Contact us
For more information or if you have a question, please get in touch with the New Shoots team. 


E-mail:
[email protected]

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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.