Green Skills Programme

Gain practical experience by working alongside our skilled horticulturists

The Green Skills Programme operates one Saturday per month from January to December. It offers individuals aged 18+ without a relevant horticultural qualification a unique opportunity to build practical skills and knowledge in horticulture. Participants can join the program at any time and continue for 12 months. For example, if you join in March you would complete the programme the following February.

Each session focuses on developing a specific skill linked to industry careers, along with engaging in general seasonal horticultural activities. While the programme provides valuable experience and insight into horticultural careers, it is important to note that participation does not guarantee employment.

What you’ll do

Below is an outline of the skills you will work on throughout the programme, along with the corresponding career. While we aim to stick to the schedule, sessions may change due to availability, weather conditions, and other factors.

January:        Hardwood propagation – Woodland management

February:      Basic pruning – Heritage gardening

March:           Propagation by seed (hardy annuals) – Production horticulture

April:              Mulching – Groundskeeping or Soil science

May:                 Planting – Garden design and Planting design

June:               Weed identification – Botany and Ecology

July:                 Propagation by cuttings (soft and semi-ripe) – Specialist growers

August:           Basic plant identification, nomenclature – Botany, Head gardener

September:  Seed collecting – Therapeutic gardeners

October:       Bulb planting in ground and pots – Retail

November:   Making birdhouses/feeders – Ecology, Rangers

December:   Tool management and polytunnel cleaning (biosecurity) – APHA (Plant health), Greenkeeping

Where could it lead

The Green Skills Development Programme is designed to provide you with an introductory skill set in a diverse range of horticultural practices. It can be a first step towards various career paths in the industry.

What you’ll need
We encourage anyone passionate about plants, nature, and the outdoors to apply, especially if you are looking to turn that passion into a career. No prior horticultural knowledge or experience is required.
When openings on the programme become available, it will be advertised on our Green Skills Programme recruitment page with a detailed description and eligibility criteria.
What you’ll get

As a Green Skills Programme participant, you'll receive:

  • Horticultural Skills: Learn practical skills such as propagation, planting, garden maintenance, pruning, and more
  • Interpersonal Skills: Build on transferable skills such as teamwork, confidence, and effective communication
  • Networking: Meet like-minded people at the start of their horticultural journey and learn from experienced horticulturists about careers in the industry
PPE will be provided for the duration of the session. If needed, we can also support with travel expenses and outdoor clothing for the duration of the session.

Next steps

For any inquiries about current availability or further questions, please email the New Shoots team at [email protected].

If you’re ready to embark on a journey to enhance your horticultural skills and explore potential career paths, visit our Green Skills Programme recruitment page via Better Impact for current opportunities and application information.

Application windows may vary by garden, so please check the information on Better Impact. If no spaces are available at the time of your application, your details will automatically be added to a waiting list for 6 months, after which your personal data will be deleted.

Please note that the application portal is managed by Better Impact on behalf of the RHS. When applying for the Green Skills programme, you will be governed by both the RHS and Better Impact’s privacy notices. Please read both privacy notices before you apply.
 

See the range of options on offer

Browse our programmes

Learn about the initiative to promote horticultural careers

What is New Shoots?

If you have a question on work experience, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section. 

FAQs

Contact us
For more information or if you have a question, please get in touch with the New Shoots team. 


E-mail:
[email protected]

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.