Trainee Gardeners – Historic & Botanic Garden Training Programme

Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.

Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can
connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every
community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the
benefits it brings.

Established in 2006, the Historic and Botanic Garden Training Programme (HBGTP) is managed by
English Heritage and offers garden traineeships at a range of outstanding placement gardens.

The HBGTP accepts applications on an annual basis, this year we are recruiting for 17 new
trainees to join professional garden teams at various locations around the UK. Positions are
full-time and fixed term lasting 12 months.

Are you a committed gardener, looking to take the next step into a career in horticulture? This
is an incredible opportunity for an enthusiastic person to gain practical paid experience
within an historic or botanic garden. The role will enable you as a trainee to experience a
broad range of activities, helping to develop your practical skills and increase your
horticultural knowledge!

We are committed to providing you with an excellent trainee experience. We provide structure
and support to both you and your placement garden through an Individual Training Plan, as well
as regular contact in person and via email/phone.

As a trainee, you will also benefit from being part of a cohort, enabling you to communicate,
network and potentially visit other trainees in their gardens. All placement gardens contain
experienced teams of three or more gardeners, who will guide you through the year helping to
broaden your skills and build your confidence.

Trainees also benefit from a fully funded four-day Autumn Trainee Seminar and a three-day
Summer Study Tour. Both provide the opportunity to visit some terrific gardens, attend expert
guest lectures and network with other trainees.

As an HBGTP trainee, you will work outside full-time in the garden, obtaining specialist
on-the-tools training whilst immersing yourself in the heritage and beauty of one of Britain’s
finest gardens.

During your placement, you will complete 3 written projects, keep a daily technical journal,
and undertake regular plant identification tests.

By working alongside the gardening team through the seasons, you will develop your practical
skills and increase your technical knowledge. Full support and training will be given, allowing
you to develop your love of horticulture into a blooming career!

To be considered as an HBGTP trainee, you will need:

• Previous practical experience (this can be paid or voluntary)
• Interest and commitment to work in the sector
• Basic gardening skills that a placement could develop or enhance
• Self-motivation and ambition

When applying, you will be asked to select your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice of placement garden. Or
for those who fancy an adventure, you can leave your choices open and select ‘any’! Further
information on our placement gardens can be found in the ‘HBGTP Placements 2025-2026’
brochure.

Shortlisting will be conducted by HBGTP employees and representatives from the placement
gardens. Therefore, information on your application will be shared with external
representatives outside of English Heritage but will strictly not be used for any other
purpose.

Interviews will be held throughout May in the various placement gardens across the UK.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the
role.

We would be delighted to hear from you if you would like to talk to us about this role before
you apply, e.g. regarding workplace adjustments, working patterns, please contact Elinor
Davies, HBGTP Manager. No agencies please.

You can find out more about the HBG Training Programme via the website. Our website contains
lots of information on the programme along with videos and stories from past trainees.

You can also find out more about English Heritage by visiting our website.

Other organisations may call this role Trainee Horticulturalist, Junior Gardener, Apprentice
Gardener, Trainer Horticulture Operative, Trainee Groundskeeper, Junior Horticulture
Technician.