Job title: Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprentice
Location: RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Department: RHS School of Horticulture (SoH) and Garden/curatorial team
Reports to: The Garden Manager (and Team Leaders as and when required)
Salary: £22,308 per annum
The RHS ensure we pay all staff at or above the National Minimum Wage, which is reviewed annually by government
Details of our great benefits can be found here
Start date and duration: August 2025
Two years (fixed term)
This position is a combined programme including work-based training and academic learning, which means that you have responsibilities as an RHS employee and as a college apprentice
Hours of work: Full time (37.5 hours a week) with a working pattern of 5 days out of 7 (including weekend and occasional evening work)
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, at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, you will:
• Carry out practical work, in all weathers and across the seasons
• Complete a Level 2 qualification at college (equivalent to a GCSE)
• Spend time with each of the garden teams, working across a range of garden types (formal and informal ornamental). For more details on the range of garden areas you would work in visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/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:
Applications closing date 1st March 2025.
For further information, or if you require any additional support with making your application, please email schoolofhorticulture@rhs.org.uk.
