Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship

Royal Horticultural Society; Boothstown; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading gardening charity in the UK is seeking enthusiastic individuals for a full-time Horticultural Operative Apprenticeship. This two-year program includes practical work in gardens, completion of a Level 2 qualification, and occasional college attendance. Ideal candidates will be committed to learning about horticulture and must not already hold a Level 2 qualification. Benefits include working with experienced staff and being part of a mission-driven team focused on the transformational power of gardening.

Benefits

Annual salary review

Experience in diverse garden types

Involvement in charitable activities

Qualifications

• Applicants must not already hold a Level 2 qualification in Horticulture or have more than 12 months of practical experience.
• Must be resident in the UK for at least the previous three years before the apprenticeship starts.

Responsibilities

• Carry out practical work across the seasons.
• Complete a Level 2 qualification at college.
• Learn across various garden teams and types.

Skills

Ability to work in all weathers

Horticultural techniques knowledge

Using tools and machinery safely

Education

Level 2 qualification in Horticulture

Job description

Qualifications

• Applicants must not already hold a Level 2 qualification in Horticulture or have more than 12 months of practical experience in the industry.
• UK nationals, citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or with Pre‑Settled Status through the EU Settlement Scheme and those with the right to abode must have been resident in the UK for at least the previous three years prior to the start of the apprenticeship.

Job Details

• Start Date: August 2026. Two years (fixed term)
• Salary: £23,810 per annum. The RHS ensure we pay all staff at or above the National Minimum Wage, which is reviewed annually by government
• Hours of work: Full time (37.5 hours a week on a rota). The working pattern is 5 days in 7 so your full‑time hours will include some weekend working.
• For this position you will attend college on a residential basis which will involve travel and staying away from home

About the Apprenticeship

Are you interested in learning about plants, gardening or horticulture, but new to the industry? Get the skills you need to start your career in horticulture with our apprenticeships. Our Level 2 Horticultural Operative apprenticeships, available at all 5 RHS gardens, support you to learn and develop your knowledge and skills in the science, art and practice of horticulture by working alongside knowledgeable and experienced staff in the workplace. Alongside the training in the garden will also attend college to study for the Level 2 Apprenticeship qualification, develop your understanding of horticulture and embed the practical learning. During the apprenticeship you will:

• Carry out practical work, in all weathers and across the seasons
• Complete a Level 2 qualification at college (equivalent to GCSE level)
• Spend time with each of the garden teams, working across a range of garden types (formal and informal ornamental).
• Learn how to use appropriate techniques, tools and machinery, to cultivate, establish and care for our plant collections all year round
• Work safely and garden sustainably

Benefits of Working for the RHS

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening - and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet. And we couldn't do this without our people. We're proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference. Our careers portal provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits.