The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has seen an impressive 21% rise in applications for its 2024 horticulture programmes. With sustainability and climate change taking centre stage, more people are swapping office desks for garden tools. The growing interest highlights a major shift towards greener, more meaningful careers in the UK.
Royal Horticultural Society Training Programmes
In the past year, the RHS received 18 times more applicants than available places in its training schemes. Interestingly, 63% of these applicants were career changers, proving it’s never too late to embrace horticulture.
The RHS offers three programmes to nurture a new generation of green professionals. Its Diploma in Horticultural Practice saw a whopping 38% increase in applications, reflecting keen interest in mastering the craft. Apprenticeships weren’t far behind, with applications up by 28%. Even professional work placements recorded an 8% rise. These statistics show that there’s room for everyone in the garden, whether you’re a school leaver or a career shifter.
Hands-On Training to Build a Sustainable Future in Horticulture
The RHS programmes don’t just teach skills—they provide real-world experience in the charity’s world-class gardens. Over 91% of 2024 graduates have already entered horticulture jobs or further advanced training.
Over half of these graduates stayed with the RHS, while others found roles across the wider industry or pursued more studies. This kind of hands-on learning not only fills the UK’s skills gap but also plants seeds for a greener, healthier future.
Gemma Tandy, Head of Professional Programmes at RHS, called the trend inspiring. “Seeing people from all walks of life choose horticulture is fantastic,” she said. “Our gardens offer a unique opportunity to work at the heart of sustainability and biodiversity.”
As demand for skilled horticulturists grows, the RHS continues to lead the charge, nurturing talent and making green careers a blooming success.
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