Careers

Applications for Professional Gardeners’ Guild Traineeship are open

The Professional Gardeners Guild 3-year Traineeship Programme in horticultural practices provides the opportunity to gain practical skills in the workplace at world class historic and botanic gardens

Chatworth House seen from the lawns

The Professional Gardeners Guild (PGG) traineeship program was established in 1995 and is now recognised as providing a practical foundation on which to build a successful career in horticulture. The scheme offers full time work experience, paying at least minimum wage with rented accommodation and bursary funding to cover the costs of relocation and interviews, in addition to the essential practical qualifications needed.

The scheme runs for three years, commencing in late August each year. During that time the trainee will spend a period of one year each at three different premier heritage gardens. Currently these gardens include Chatsworth, The Garden House, Sandringham and Highgrove.

In each garden, the trainee will work as a regular member of the garden team and undertake a diverse range of hands on activities and develop a full range of craft skills. Experiencing and practicing those practical skills in the different work environments and house styles of the different gardens is one of the strong points of the PPG traineeship.

A number of off-site training sessions are also offered to cover certificated courses such as chainsaw use, pesticide application and tractor driving. Trainees are also encouraged to attend other courses, study tours and seminars and to generally pursue their own horticultural learning interests. In addition, throughout the traineeship you will be asked to keep a daily diary, take photos of work in progress and ultimately write interim garden reports and a final year report which will explore your horticultural experience including observations and possible solutions regarding effective garden management.

Candidates require some previous horticultural experience as a volunteer or in paid employment. RHS qualifications will be an added advantage and need to demonstrate a strong commitment towards a career as a professional gardener and a willingness to move each year between gardens. Candidates should also be able to support the physical demands of a very practical role and be prepared to work outside in all weathers.

The deadline for applications is the end of April 2025. Interviews will take place in London on Friday 30th May 2025.