Trainee Gardener – Historic & Botanic Garden Training

Are you a committed gardener, looking to take the next step into a career in horticulture? This
is an incredible opportunity for an enthusiastic person to gain practical paid experience
within a historic or botanic garden. The role will enable you as a trainee to experience a
broad range of activities, helping to develop your practical skills and increase your
horticultural knowledge!

The Role

Established in 2006, the Historic and Botanic Garden Training Programme (HBGTP) is managed by
English Heritage and offers 1-year traineeships at a range of outstanding placement gardens.

The HBGTP accepts applications on an annual basis. This year, we are recruiting 17 new trainees
to join professional garden teams at various locations around the UK. Positions are full-time
and fixed term lasting 12 months.

As an HBGTP trainee, you will work outside full-time in the garden, obtaining specialist
on-the-tools training whilst immersing yourself in the heritage and beauty of one of Britain’s
finest gardens.

In addition, during your placement, you will complete three written projects, keep a daily
technical journal, and undertake regular plant identification tests.

By working alongside the gardening team through the seasons you will develop your practical
skills and increase your technical knowledge. Full support and training will be given, allowing
you to develop your love of horticulture into a blooming career!

About You

To be considered as a Trainee Gardener, you will need: 

• Previous practical experience (this can be paid or voluntary)
• Interest and commitment to work in the sector
• Ability that a placement could develop or enhance
• Self-motivation and ambition

Please note that qualifications are not a requirement for this post. However, some prior paid
or voluntary experience in the horticulture sector is required. All placements are salaried
positions.

Benefits 

As a Trainee Gardener, you will also benefit from a fully funded four-day Autumn Trainee
Seminar and a three-day Summer Study Tour. Both provide the opportunity to visit some terrific
gardens, attend expert guest lectures and network with other trainees. 

Support

We are committed to providing you with an excellent trainee experience. We provide structure
and support to both you and your placement garden through an Induvial Training Plan, as well as
regular contact in person and via email/phone. 

As a trainee, you will also benefit from being part of a cohort, enabling you to communicate,
network and potentially visit other trainees in their gardens. All placement gardens contain
experienced teams of three or more gardeners, who will guide you through the year helping
broaden your skills and build your confidence.

Location

When applying, you will be asked to select your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice of placement garden. Or
for those who fancy an adventure, you can leave your choices open and select ‘any’!

Shortlisting

Shortlisting will be conducted by HBGTP employees and representatives from the placement
gardens. Therefore, information on your application will be shared with external
representatives outside of English Heritage but will strictly not be used for any other
purpose.

More information can be found on the HBG Training Programme by visiting our website.

We would be delighted to hear from you. If you would like to talk to us about this role before
you apply, e.g., regarding workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Elinor
Davies, HBGTP Manager.

So, if you’d like to join us for an HBGTP 1 Year Traineeship, please select the button shown. 

Other organisations may call this role Trainee Horticulturist, Trainee Horticultural
Technician, Graduate trainee, Trainee Landscape Gardener, or Trainee Groundsperson.

The Historic and Botanic Gardens Training Programme is supported by the National Garden Scheme.