Horticulture
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Horticulture like?
Do you enjoy gardening? Are you someone who likes to creative flower displays? If so, studying for an apprenticeship in horticulture could help you find an ideal job. Be part of an industry that’s dedicated to protecting the environment and making Scotland a greener place.
Whether you have an interest in flowers, shrubs or trees, the apprenticeship can give you the opportunity to work with your favourite plants. Learn how to create stunning flower exhibits. Improve your knowledge of green spaces like parks, roof gardens and fields. Work with the latest horticulture technology such as cropping systems.
Scotland’s horticulture industry has plenty of job opportunities. Take up the role of a gardener and help to spruce up different properties. Work with a variety of different plants as a florist. Develop environment protection strategies as a horticulture specialist.
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5 or Level 6.
> SCQF qualification levels explained
Horticulture at SCQF Level 5
Production Horticulture at SCQF Level 5
Landscaping at SCQF Level 5
Sports Turf (Greenkeeper) at SCQF Level 5
Sports Turf (Groundsman) at SCQF Level 5
Parks, Gardens and Green Space at SCQF Level 5
Production Horticulture at SCQF Level 6
Landscaping at SCQF Level 6
Sports Turf at SCQF Level 6
Parks, Gardens and Green Space at SCQF Level 6
During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to:
Establish crops and plants
Collect and store propagation materials
Propagate plants from seed
Create plant displays
Establish and maintain artificial plant displays
Maintain the health of sports turf
You will develop the following core skills:
Team work
Problem-solving
Communication
Time management
These transferrable skills are useful for working in other jobs such as sports turfing and floristry.
This Modern Apprenticeship gives you a variety of options. Carry on your studies with a degree in horticulture or find a gardening related job.
Further education: Carry on your studies with a bachelor’s degree in plant pathology or conservation. This could lead to a higher qualification like a Masters in landscape design. Your experience will support your university application.
Straight to work: Use your qualifications and find a job in the horticulture industry. After completing the apprenticeship, you could move onto jobs like:
Florist
Gardener
Parks officer
Interior landscape designer
Deputy head greenkeeper
Horticulture specialist
Landscaper
Arborist
Skilled plant propagator
Entry requirements
There are no set requirements for the apprenticeship. However, it is useful to have an interest in plants and to enjoy working outside.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
This Modern Apprenticeship will take around 3 years to complete.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.