Agriculture - Horticultural Worker
Agriculture - Horticultural Worker
Amber
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 to grow.
- 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
- Keeping the garden centre or nursery tidy
- Picking fruit and vegetables to sell
Horticultural workers spend a lot of time outdoors. They might be in a garden centre, in fields or in orchards. In the winter months of the year, they get cold, wet, and muddy.
Most horticultural workers do between 37 and 40 hours a week. This may include some weekends, evenings and early morning starts.
Starting salary: £13,000
Experienced salary: up to £23,000
The majority of people employed in this role may not have formal qualifications or will hold GCSEs below grade 4 (D to G). However, some routes into this work you will require you to have GCSEs at grades 4, or equivalent qualifications. Maths, English and a science subject would be helpful but not always required. Horticulture qualifications are available starting at Levels 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 component 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.