Gardeners grow and look after plants in private and public green spaces. On a day to day basis a gardener may raise and look after plants from seeds or cuttings, dig, plant and weed flower beds and borders, tidy overgrown shrubs and trees, control pests damaging plants, use and clean equipment like lawn mowers and hedge trimmers, build basic items such as sheds, patios or fences and much more.

The main routes to get into this role are:

• A college course- there are various diplomas you could take to support you to gain this role.

• An apprenticeship- you could undertake an apprenticeship for this role.

• Working towards this role- you could get an entry level job and work your way up.

• Applying directly- if you already have the skill base and experience you could put a direct application in for the job.

• Specialist courses run by a professional body- you can also take a course with The Royal Horticultural Society to learn more about gardening or get a qualification that will help you get a job.

You could do a:

• Horticulture and landscape operative intermediate apprenticeship to get a job as a gardener

• Horticultural apprenticeship with The Royal Horticultural Society to work in a national garden if you're 16 to 19 years old

• Landscape or horticulture supervisor advanced apprenticeship to get more experience

• Horticulture and landscaping technical manager higher apprenticeship to become a head gardener or manager

This is dependent on the company and you will usually need to complete an interview. 

Apprenticeship Finders

https://www.ucas.com/

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Interview Help 

https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/gardener-interview-questions

https://www.betterteam.com/gardener-interview-questions