Higher Education and Training

Kew Apprenticeship and Kew Traineeship in Horticulture

In 2008 Kew launched two new practical training studentships - the Kew Apprenticeship and the Kew Traineeship.

Kew Apprenticeship

The Student Apprenticeship is a three year fixed-term appointment, focusing primarily on ‘on the job training’ which take place in Kew's three main horticultural sections. These are (with example placements):

  • Arboretum and Horticultural Services

- The Arboricultural unit
- The Arboretum
- The Arbotetum Nursery
- The Sward maintenance unit 

  • Great Glasshouses and Training

- The Palm House
- The Princess of Wales Conservatory
- The Temperate House
- The Tropical Nursery

  • Hardy Display

- The Alpine unit
- The Amenity unit
- The Decorative unit
- The Duke's and Queen's Garden
- The Herbaceous unit

Apprentices are granted day release study on a weekly basis to attend certificated horticultural courses at a local college, with a final option of the RHS Advanced Level 3 Certificate in Horticulture.

There are 12 student apprentice positions in total, recruiting four candidates per year.  Apprentices are placed in each main horticultural section for one year, working towards an agreed training plan to achieve essential skills.

Kew Traineeship

The Student Traineeships is a one year fixed-term appointment offering work experience and practical training in one of the main horticultural sections. Student trainees have a specific training plan. Eight student trainees are recruited per year.

How to apply

Entry Requirements

  • 2 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English, mathematics or an approved science.

Candidates with fewer formal qualifications, but with more practical experience are also encouraged to apply.

Application procedure

Recruitment for this year's intake will take place in May, with an application deadline of 15 March 2010.

Kew Apprenticeship (three years)

Application documents

Kew Traineeship (one year)

Application documents

You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the pdf format forms.

For further information or a printed application pack, please contact the Apprenticeship Coordinator.

Alternatively, apply in writing to

Apprenticeship Coordinator
Tropical Nursery
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond
Surrey TW9 3AB
UK

Alternative opportunities at Kew

The practical Horticultural Internship Programme at RBG Kew is offered both to UK and overseas students and is purely practically based. The School of Horticulture coordinates internships lasting three months which consist of eighty percent unpaid, practical work experience in the garden and twenty percent group study time in the School of Horticulture and on study tours.