The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) School of Horticulture provides comprehensive training and development opportunities for school leavers, career changers, and individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in the field. There are three distinct programmes: the Diploma in Horticultural Practice, Apprenticeships, and Professional Work Placements.

In the past year, the RHS reports that there were 18 times as many applicants as there were places available on the charity’s work-based training schemes, with more than three-fifths (63%) career changers.

·In 2024, the RHS Level 3 and 4 Horticultural Diploma saw a 38% increase in applications, demonstrating an appetite to advance existing horticultural knowledge and progress within the sector.
RHS apprenticeships applications were up 28% in the past year.
Professional Work Placements saw a rise of 8% in 2024. Work Placements involve a year of paid work experience alongside a horticultural professional to become an expert in a group of plants, garden practice or style for applicants whom have completed (or be studying for) a Level 2 horticultural theory qualification and have at least three months’ practical experience.

The majority of students (91%) who graduated in 2024 have moved into horticultural employment or advanced training with over half (51%) staying on with the RHS, and two fifths (40%) of students either employed in the wider industry or completing further training.

The RHS links in with other training programmes and colleges, signposting unsuccessful applicants to other training available in the industry. The Covid-19 pandemic led to a surge in horticultural interest and a subsequent uplift in enrolments to horticultural training programmes, with many of those alumni seeking to make their new interest into a career.

According to the Environmental Horticulture Group’s recent Mission Green Growth report, of which the RHS is a partner, the environmental horticulture and landscaping industry supported 722,000 jobs in 2023 and contributed £38 billion to the UK economy. Beyond these economic benefits horticulture plays a critical role in combatting climate change by boosting biodiversity and creating carbon-capturing, sustainable green spaces as well as supporting people’s wellbeing. As the sector grows, the demand for skilled professionals to lead green innovation has never been greater.

The RHS is committed to addressing the green skills shortage and inspiring the next generation of horticultural talent through new initiatives such as New Shoots. This programme provides participants with invaluable insights into the horticultural industry and practical experience working in public gardens, helping to spark interest and open pathways into this rewarding field. In the past year alone four apprentices have been recruited in RHS Gardens having come through the New Shoots programme, one of whom came via green prescribing. From 2025, New Shoots scholarships will be available to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds hoping to take on Apprenticeships or Professional Work Placements at the RHS.

Gemma Tandy, RHS Head of Professional Programmes, said: “It is fantastic to see this growth of interest in horticultural careers, particularly as we look in the long term to address a skills gap in specialist, management and leadership roles. The RHS work-based training programmes offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in world-class gardens, fostering a deep appreciation for the vital role horticulture plays in sustainability, biodiversity, and combatting climate change. As the sector continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see so many people pursuing careers in horticulture and contributing to greener, healthier environments for the future.”

Applications for the Diploma are open from now until 1st February 2025, meanwhile recruitment for the Apprenticeships runs from 6th January to 1st March, and recruitment for Professional Work Placements runs from 1st March to 11th April 2025.

New for 2025 the RHS School of Horticulture will be delivering the RHS Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation, which is a stand-alone award that provides learners with the opportunity to research and study an area of horticulture of personal interest. Applications for the award open early in the new year.