Apprentice in Horticulture

Job Description:

Apprenticeship in Horticulture with The National Botanic Garden of Wales

This is an opportunity to gain skills, practical experience and qualifications in horticulture at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Working to maintain and develop the plant collections and gardens, you will be part of a team assisting horticultural operations, plant conservation, research and education activities.

You will need to be a highly motivated individual interested in learning and completing our new twoyear apprenticeship scheme. We aim provide the successful candidate with comprehensive experience in horticulture, public garden maintenance and plant collections management.

In partnership with Coleg Sir Gar, the scheme includes day release where you will work towards the Royal Horticulture Society’s Level Two Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture. You will also gain the City & Guilds Level Two Diploma in Work-based Horticulture while working. The qualifications are delivered under the Horticulture (Wales) Apprenticeship Framework. Other opportunities will include conferences, practical training certificates and work placements in partner gardens.

Outline

This is a full-time fixed term position for a two-year period starting September 2026 or earlier by mutual agreement. Training hours are 37.5 per week, on any five days out of seven as required. Typical working hours are from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. The annual leave allowance is 33 days inclusive of bank holidays.

The salary for this role will be the relevant apprentice wage in line with the National Minimum Wage. Further information can be found on the government website.

You are encouraged to explore the Botanic Garden’s web site to find out more about our mission and work. www.botanicgarden.wales

How to apply

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Ayshea Cunniffe-Thomas, Apprenticeship Co-ordinator - ayshea.cunniffethomas@gardenofwales.org.uk

Applications in the form of a cover letter should be sent to Lorna Lewis, HR Manager.

HRManager@gardenofwales.org.uk. The cover letter should detail your interest in the role, relevant experience and any further information you would like the panel to consider. A CV is also acceptable but not mandatory.

The closing date for applications is 7th June 2026.

Job Description

Job title - Apprentice in Horticulture

Department - Horticulture

Reports to - Apprenticeship Co-ordinator; Senior Horticulturists

Working as a member of the Horticulture team in the Botanic Garden, the apprenticeship is intended for someone motivated to pursue a career as a professional horticulturist and will enable you, to gain a qualification while developing your horticultural skills and contributing to the maintenance and development of the Botanic Garden’s plant collections and themed gardens.

Responsibilities

1 Complete the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Horticulture as a day release element.

2 Rotate through the horticultural sections working alongside the Senior Horticulturists and Horticulturists to gain experience of all aspects of horticulture within a botanic garden setting.

3 Involved in propagation and nursery maintenance; maintenance of public glasshouse displays and collections; maintaining a wide range of plant material from trees to herbaceous perennials; and contributing to the general upkeep of the site.

4 Use a range of horticultural machinery in the day-to-day management of the Garden and wider estate.

5 Receive training on the use of the plant records database provided from the Plant Records Officer.

6 Undertake informal work-based assessments set by the Apprenticeship Coordinator; including plant identification, keeping a work diary and producing job cards.

7 Undertake coursework and written projects and tasks set as part of the programme in their own time.

8 Take part in placements at other relevant gardens or institutions of up to four weeks over the course of their tenure.

9 Work within the health and safety standards set particularly for the use of machinery and when working around the public.

10 Undertake weekend duty cover for the Department as per the weekend duty rota.

11 Participate in Garden events, public outreach and educational activities as required.

12 Support the Horticulture Department with content creation for public engagement on NBGWs work and activities related to their role and areas and collections they work within.

13 Undertake any other duties as reasonably required.

14. Ability to converse in Welsh is desirable.

Eligibility

The following eligibility criteria applies to the Scheme. Applicants must be able to demonstrate if asked to prove that they meet the requirements listed below.

1. Be a citizen of or have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

2. Do not currently hold a qualification at level four and above in the Credit and Qualification Framework for Wales.

Please note the criteria aligns not only with legislation but with requirements of the scheme in line with Coleg Sir Gar.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated any less favourably than an application submitted in English.

The Garden reserves the right to close this advert early should sufficient applications be received.