The Royal Horticultural Society saw a 21% increase in applications across its School of Horticulture programmes for 2024, reflecting a surge of interest in green careers.

In the past year 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.

The RHS School of Horticulture offers three distinct programmes: the Diploma in Horticultural Practice, Apprenticeships, and Professional Work Placements. These programmes provide comprehensive training and development opportunities for school leavers, career changers, and individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in the field.

• The RHS Level 3 and 4 Horticultural Diploma, providing a unique opportunity for individuals with an existing horticultural theory qualification at Level 2 (or equivalent) to gain hands-on experience while advancing their academic knowledge. In 2024, the Diploma saw a 38% increase in applications, demonstrating an appetite to advance existing horticultural knowledge and progress within the sector.
• RHS apprenticeships are suitable for anyone looking to enter the industry, there is no need for formal qualifications to apply just a love of the outdoors, plants and nature. Applications for apprenticeships were up 28% in the past year.
• Professional 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. Applicants must have completed (or be studying for) a Level 2 horticultural theory qualification and have at least three months’ practical experience. Applications for Professional Work Placements saw a rise of 8% in 2024.

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.

For more information and to apply visit: https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/qualifications-and-training/work-based-training/rhs-diploma

Also new for 2025 the RHS School of Horticulture is excited to be delivering the RHS Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation. This stand-alone award provides learners with the opportunity to research and study an area of horticulture of personal interest. Applications for this remote award open early in the new year. For further information please visit here or contact Level3project@rhs.org.uk