Kew Specialist Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture
A one year, full time course to gain a specialist certificate in how to plant and maintain ornamental gardens.
About the course
This course is perfect for horticulturists wishing to specialise in a particular area of horticulture by spending a full year within that area of specialism.
Open to horticulturists anywhere in the world who would like to come to Kew to undertake some professional training in some of Kew’s unique plant collections. This course runs from September to September.
The programme involves:
- working on a rotational basis within the Rose Garden, Broadwalk, Orangery & surrounds, The Queen’s, Director’s & Duke’s gardens, the Evolution Garden, Woodland Garden and Grass Garden
- undertaking two weeks of work experience or a travel scholarship related to ornamental horticulture
Coursework
- attending the Kew Diploma lectures on Turf Management and The Management of Living Collections
- completing a pest and disease project looking at a range of pests and diseases affecting plants grown under glass
- regular plant identification tests
Additional qualifications
- FEPA PA1 & PA6aw
- Tractor driving
- Manual handling course
- Health & Safety training
- In-house tractor driving course
Salary
- £19,582 per annum, plus a £725 book and equipment allowance
Eligibility
Applicants:
- are expected to hold a Level 2 qualification in horticulture, or equivalent (such as a PGG traineeship or HBGTP)
- should have as a minimum six months* practical experience in a professional horticultural environment (*six months in total - not, for example, one day a week for six months)
- must be computer literate with the ability to produce word-processed coursework
- from overseas are considered, and acceptance is subject to a work permit being granted for non-EU nationals. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential and evidence to that effect will be requested
