How to become a horticultural manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a graduate training scheme
University
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 could 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
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College
You could work towards this role by doing a college course in a relevant subject like:
- level 3 Diploma in Horticulture
- level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
- level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice
You could also get a qualification from The Royal Horticulture Society.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
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Apprenticeship
You could do a horticulture supervisor advanced apprenticeship to work towards a management role.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a horticultural worker to get experience and work your way up to a management role.
Other Routes
Some larger companies have graduate schemes working with fresh food, produce and crops.
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Professional and industry bodies
You can find out more about careers in horticulture from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a horticultural careers from The Royal Horticultural Society and The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture.