Gardener

You could do a course in gardening or horticulture to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need.

Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture Skills
• Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticultural Skills
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could do a:

• Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Landscape or Horticulture Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Horticulture and Landscaping Technical Manager Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You might find it helpful when looking for work if you have some practical experience, for instance from working in a garden centre.

You could also start as an assistant gardener with an organisation and work your way up.

Many organisations offer volunteering opportunities, for example:

• The Conservation Volunteers
• National Trust
• The Wildlife Trusts

You'll also find volunteering placements through Do IT and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

You can apply directly for jobs. Employers value work experience and skills in gardening. Horticultural knowledge and enthusiasm are also important.

You can take a course with The Royal Horticultural Society to learn more about gardening or complete a qualification that may help you to get a job.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a gardener from:

• The Royal Horticultural Society
• Grow Careers
• HortWeek