Opportunities to train as a gardener with the National Trust.
Would you like to work in some of the most inspiring gardens in the UK, and use your talent to help them thrive into the future?
National Trust gardens are some of the most beautiful and historically important. We want to keep them that way, and are always looking for enthusiastic new gardeners to join our dedicated team.
Working as a National Trust gardener is full of rewards. Few employers offer as many opportunities to get involved with the restoration of some of the UK’s most important historic gardens. You could also make your own mark, in developing inspiring planting schemes, or in applying your skills, helping us maintain our high standards.
If you want to get a taste of professional horticulture in historic gardens, we offer a limited number of secondments and work experience opportunities. Volunteering is another popular option. We provide training for those new to horticulture and at most points in your career.
If you are interested in starting your gardening career with the National Trust, we can offer you a number of options, which are listed below.
© NTPL / Stephen Robson
Careership
Every spring we take on 12 trainee gardeners on this three-year course which combines hands-on practical experience with college-based training. Careership is partially funded by the National Trust, and through a generous annual donation from the National Gardens Scheme.
© NTPL / Joe Cornish
Training includes a thorough introduction to garden history and the practical skills needed to maintain historic gardens, from the use of machinery to maintaining flower borders.
Scholarships
Two gardening scholarships are offered each year at Knightshayes Court in Devon. This Victorian plantsman’s garden is home to the National Trust’s specialist nursery for the propagation of rare and unusual plants. The garden also contains one of our most important collections of cultivated plants.
© NTPL / Stephen Robson
Volunteering
If you are interested in gardening with the National Trust, but are not yet qualified, why not consider volunteering? Many of our garden staff started out as volunteers, gaining invaluable work experience and skills before applying for full-time jobs.
There are many opportunities for garden volunteers. Some are listed in our Volunteering section under local opportunities and you can also search to find more. Alternatively, speak to staff at properties near you or take a look at the garden-based breaks in our Working Holidays programme.
|
