Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship

Royal Horticultural Society; Brighton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading horticultural charity is offering an apprenticeship in horticulture at their gardens in Brighton. This role includes practical experience across various garden types and a college course to achieve a Level 2 qualification. Candidates will gain valuable skills, work with experienced staff, and contribute to gardening projects. Ideal for those passionate about plants and gardening. Applications are open until February 22, 2026, with interviews scheduled for the following month.

Benefits

Hands-on training in horticulture

Opportunity to work with experienced staff

Pathway to a Level 2 qualification

Qualifications

• Must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the placement.
• Must not currently hold a Level 2 qualification in Horticulture.
• Candidates with more than 12 months industry experience are ineligible.

Responsibilities

• Carry out practical work in various garden types.
• Complete a Level 2 qualification at college.
• Learn to use tools and machinery safely.

Skills

Interest in plants and gardening

Willingness to learn

Ability to work in all weather conditions

Basic knowledge of tools and machinery

Education

No previous Level 2 qualification in Horticulture

Job description

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 you 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, at RHS Garden Wisley, 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 (including Formal Ornamental, Edibles, Alpine, Glasshouse and Propagation). For more details on the range of garden areas you would work in visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/garden-highlights
• 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

These experiences and skills gained will equip you for professional life in the industry and start your career in horticulture.

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.

You can also learn about the range of careers in horticulture by visiting https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/careers-horticulture https://www.horticulture.org.uk/grow-careers/ or https://www.lantra.co.uk/careers

Safeguarding and Inclusion

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Further Information

To apply for any work-based training position with the RHS School of Horticulture you must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the placement, the RHS are unable to sponsor visa applications for these positions.

Due to government funding rules, to be eligible for the apprenticeship:

• 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.

Key dates

We may review applications as soon as we receive them so if you see a vacancy that you are interested in, please apply straight away as the vacancy will be closed as soon as we receive sufficient applications.

Applications close 22nd February 2026

Interviews to be held week commencing 23rd March 2026

For further information, or if you require any additional support with making you application please contact [e-mail] including details of the position you are applying for.