Overview
Horticultural workers do a lot of the work involved in growing and selling plants. They work in places such as garden centres, plant nurseries, and fruit farms. They do different jobs at different times of the year including sowing seeds and taking cuttings to make new plants. They make sure that the plants have the right amount of heat, light, water and plant food.
Activities
- Growing plants by sowing seeds and taking cuttings
- Putting plants into bigger pots as they grow
- Making sure that the plants have the right amount of heat, light, water and plant food
- Protecting the plants against insects and other pests that could harm them
- Helping customers to choose plants and equipment
- Serving customers at the till
- Keeping the garden centre or nursery tidy
- Picking fruit and vegetables to sell
- Going to markets to sell the things that they have grown
Organisations
Horticultural workers are typically employed by garden centres, nurseries that grow plants and trees, fruit farms and market gardens that grow vegetables and fruit.
Workplace
Horticultural workers spend a lot of time outdoors. They might be in a garden centre, in fields or in orchards. At some times of the year they get cold, wet and muddy.
Working Hours
Most horticultural workers do between 37 and 40 hours a week. This may include some weekends, evenings and early morning starts.
Salary
£13,000-£23,000.
Qualifications
The majority of people employed in this role may not have formal qualifications or will hold GCSEs below Grade 4 (D-G). For some routes into this work you will need GCSEs at Grade 4 or equivalent qualifications. Maths, English and a science subject would be helpful but not always required.
Horticulture qualifications are available starting at Level 1 to help you gain access to this role.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.