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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could do a:

• Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Horticulture or Landscaping 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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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

As a gardener, you will:

• raise and look after plants from seeds or cuttings
• dig, plant and weed flower beds and borders
• tidy overgrown shrubs and trees and clear paths
• control pests that damage plants
• use equipment safely, like lawn mowers and hedge trimmers
• build items such as sheds, patios or fences

We've identified this as a green job

As a gardener, you could plant a variety of flowers, shrubs and greenery to encourage pollinator insects and increase biodiversity. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

You could work in a garden, in a park, at a client's business, at a client's home or in woodland.

Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.