Historic & Botanic Gardens Training Programme
The Historic and Botanic Gardens Training Programme (HBGTP) enables enthusiastic and committed horticulturalists to increase their horticultural and other technical skills through garden placements in a range of historic and botanic gardens throughout the UK. The programme is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
HBGTP offers trainees a structured learning programme and an assigned Supervisor and Mentor to guide and support their practical training. Each trainee keeps a technical diary and undertakes research projects and weekly plant identification tests. Each HBGTP trainee has a full-time employment contract with the placement garden and is paid no less than the National Minimum Wage.
One-year placement
The one-year placement is a full-time, practical placement with self-driven studies, including a diary, plant identification tests and research projects. It also includes a seminar and study tour.
Two-year placement
The two-year placement is the same as the one-year placement. However, it also includes registration with Capel Manor College to undertake the RHS Diploma in Horticulture Level 3. This includes four intensive study blocks at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire. In addition there will be two skills certificates and an extra historic gardens module.
How to apply
Applications need to be submitted in February/March for placements starting in September.
For a full job description and application pack, please visit the Historic and Botanic Garden Training Programme website.
Applicants must be over 17 and have relevant level 2 experience (for the one-year placement) and RHS Level 2 qualifications (for the two-year placement).
