Botanical Horticultural Apprentice

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history. Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

The role: The two-year Kew apprenticeship is a foundation entry position designed for individuals desiring a professional career at senior craft level in botanical horticulture. Apprentices are employed on a salary, and training fees are included. A Kew apprentice will gain work experience in each of the two horticultural sections: Temperate Collections, and Glasshouse Collections. On-the-job training will be arranged and delivered by garden managers and trainers, focusing on practical skills using real tasks cultivating plants in our collections and landscapes. Personal development is encouraged with a two-week staff exchange partly funded to a European botanic garden or plant collection and a travel scholarship opportunity for two-weeks. Each apprentice will be granted day release to attend a local horticultural college, where they will study and prepare for the horticulture operative Trailblazer apprenticeship standard.

Job requirements: Applicants must not be enrolled on another apprenticeship, must be 16 or over after the last Friday in June of the start year, must be able to complete the apprenticeship in the 2 years, must not have a full level 2 or higher qualification in Horticulture, must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom and undertake the apprenticeship training, must have right of abode and have been an ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years before the start of the apprenticeship and have the right to work in the UK, and not be participating in any other funded education or training, including school or college courses.

Benefits: Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.