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Maybe you’re graduating from school soon and you’re thinking about which course to take at uni – or maybe you’re a little older and you want a career change! Either way, there are many ways to start your journey towards your career in horticulture. Here are five entry methods to think about:
1. RHS Level Two collection
This is a very popular collection of online courses from the largest gardening charity in the UK. The courses range from ‘Classification & Function’ to ‘Protected Environment’ and cover all the fundamentals of horticulture. This is ideal for those who are fairly new to horticulture, or who count it as a hobby and want to increase their knowledge.
Find out more here.
2. City & Guilds Horticulture qualification
City & Guilds centres are present throughout the UK, and there are many centres which offer Horticulture Level 2 and 3 qualifications. Level 2 is for those who are new to horticulture or have some knowledge and basic skills and want to develop skills, and/or perhaps to start work as a garden centre worker or groundskeeper or prepare for further training. Level 3 is for those who wish to develop skills to be a more senior worker or manager working in gardening, landscaping or groundskeeping, or to prepare for higher-level training.
Find out more here.
3. Free student membership to the Chartered Institute of Horticulture
This membership is for thoes who are already studying horticulture, and want to take advantage of the resources and networking opportunities that come with a CIH membership – for free!
Find out more here.
4. National Trust courses, workshops and talks
If you’re looking to enhance a particular skill, the National Trust offers a vast range of courses, workshops and talks at many locations around the UK. Courses range from Seasonal Planting to Hedge Laying – and everything in between!
Find out more here.
5. Kew Gardens Science Education
Did you know that Kew Gardens offers postgraduate courses, undergraduate internships and short courses? Kew’s Science Education department is designed specifically for those who want to learn more about the science behind plants, and/or enter into a career as a plant and fungal scientist.
Find out more here.
The Plant Based Podcast 