Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship

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

Job summary

A leading horticultural charity seeks apprentices for a Level 2 Horticultural Operative program across multiple RHS gardens in the UK. This full-time apprenticeship combines practical work with academic study, providing essential skills in horticulture. Applicants should have a passion for plants and gardening, with no prior Level 2 qualifications. This opportunity includes training with experienced staff, covering various gardening techniques while contributing to sustainable practices throughout the seasons.

Benefits

Working alongside experienced horticulturists

Opportunity for career development

Exposure to diverse plant collections

Qualifications

• Interest in plants, gardening or horticulture.
• No prior Level 2 qualification in Horticulture.

Responsibilities

• Carry out practical work in various weather conditions.
• Complete a Level 2 qualification at college.
• Work across different garden types with various teams.
• Learn gardening techniques and use tools safely.
• Garden sustainably.

Job description

Reports To: The Garden Manager (and Team Leaders as and when required)

Location:

• RHS Garden Bridgewater
• RHS Garden Hyde Hall
• RHS Garden Rosemoor
• RHS Garden Wisley
• RHS Garden Harlow Carr

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

These experiences and the skills you learn 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 www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/careers-horticulture, www.horticulture.org.uk/grow-careers/or, 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 16th March

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.

Apply here: RHS Apprenticeships / RHS