Spend a year of paid work experience alongside a horticultural professional to become an expert in a group of plants, garden practice or style
About the placements
Learners will spend a year working with a specific garden department, assisting the team with day-to-day cultivation and maintenance tasks. Placements are available at all five RHS Gardens.
Want to know more? See our frequently asked questions.
Applications are closed
Applications for Professional Work Placements at all 5 RHS Gardens will open in March 2025
Want to know more?
Hear first-hand from our current Professional Work Placements about what’s involved in this one-year opportunity.
Missed our free virtual event?
If you are a student, graduate, or horticulturist looking to further your horticultural knowledge and career, and you missed our free Virtual RHS Professional Work Placement (PWP) event, you can now watch a recording of the event, to discover more about the programme and how to apply.
What RHS Gardens have placements
Recruitment closed:
Applications for Professional Work Placements at all 5 RHS Gardens will open in March 2025.
Applications and entry requirements
Applicants are expected, as a minimum, to have:
- Completed (or be studying for) a Level 2 horticultural theory qualification. This could be a National Certificate in Horticulture, Horticultural Operative Apprenticeship Standard, a Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture such as a City & Guilds, the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture or RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development. (See our Level 2 qualifications.)
- Completed at least three months of practical work experience in a professional horticultural environment
Applicants should have
- GCSE qualifications in English and maths (or equivalents)
- Experience of using basic horticultural machinery, equipment and/or tools
- Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
- An openness to working with new individuals across the garden on a regular basis
- Experience of working with customers/visitors in a professional environment, and of 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 note:
- You must have the right to work in the UK to apply. The RHS is unable to sponsor any visa applications.
- A good working knowledge of the English language is essential and evidence to that effect may be requested.
Applications are closed
Applications for Professional Work Placements at all 5 RHS Gardens will open in March 2025
Learner life at RHS Gardens
Training away from home can be daunting but we’re here to help you. We can support you with:
- Accommodation – single room with shared kitchen, lounge and bathroom facilities, available at RHS Gardens Wisley & Rosemoor (for a deduction in your gross salary)
- Getting free access to RHS Libraries and online loan services
- Connecting you with like-minded individuals who are passionate about plants and horticulture
Find out more
Got a question?
Email our dedicated team and they’ll help you get your learning under way.
Email the team
You might also be interested in...
- Learner stories: See what our current and past learners have to say about their training at the RHS – read the stories
- Supporters: Our work-based training programmes are only possible with funding from our supporters – find out about our supporters
- Careers in horticulture: If you’re looking to change careers or just starting out, the world of horticulture has dozens of roles – explore more careers
