Horticultural manager

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• horticulture and management
• commercial horticulture
• horticulture and plant science

Work experience during university

Employers value work experience so it's important to get as much as you can during your studies.

You can choose a course that includes a placement or internship. Your university careers service can also help you find work experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could work towards this role by doing a college course in a subject like:

• horticulture
• practical horticulture
• T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do a Horticulture or Landscaping Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with a garden centre or horticultural business.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as a horticultural worker to get experience and work your way up to an assistant manager then manager role.

You could study for qualifications with a professional organisation like The Royal Horticulture Society (RHS).

Some larger companies have graduate schemes , working with fresh food produce and crops.

Further information

You can find out more about horticultural careers from The Royal Horticultural Society and The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture .

As a horticultural manager, you could:

• prepare and update business plans
• manage staff, stock and budgets
• develop new products and planting programmes
• co-ordinate crop planting, irrigation and harvesting in large scale greenhouses
• manage pests, disease and weed control
• negotiate prices with wholesalers and suppliers
• advise garden centre customers on growing methods and plant care

You could work in an office, at a garden centre or in parks and gardens.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.