Horticulture

Modern Apprenticeship

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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.  

What's the qualification?

You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5 or Level 6. 

SCQF Level 5

  • 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

SCQF Level 6

  • 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

SCQF qualification levels explained

What will I learn?

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. 

Where could it take me?

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.

Find vacancies near you