Horticultural Trainee Placements

The MacRobert Trust supports Horticultural Education through its extensive charitable agenda. Our Horticultural Training Scheme accepts up to six trainees who are paid a salary and provided with accommodation. Training placements run for both one and two years and applications are now invited for four trainees to start in mid-September.

A programme of full-time, practical hands-on training, craft-skill development and proficiency, and machinery use and maintenance is undertaken whilst trainees assist our professional gardens team in the maintenance and development of the Trust’s ornamental, environmental and productive horticultural training gardens. Additionally, full training and assessment towards the achievement of the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture is funded and undertaken in-house throughout the year. Training and assessment in pesticide application PA1/PA6 and chainsaw operation CS30 is also carried out allowing trainees to achieve and practice these important certificates of competence. Training is based at our flagship Douneside House Garden which is an RHS Partner Garden and an RHS Qualifications Approved Centre.

Applications are encouraged from current or recently qualified horticultural college students who wish to progress their horticultural skills and enhance their professional career options through a programme of; hands-on immersive training and practice, RHS Qualifications, Certificates of Competence and structured work experience. Applications are also encouraged from new entrants to horticulture who, alongside the above, will also have the opportunity to study towards the RHS Principles of Horticulture Level 2 through distance learning. A second year is available to two trainees and will include paid, short internships to other prestigious gardens at various locations in Scotland.

Whilst horticultural qualifications are not essential, applicants must provide clear evidence of a keen interest in developing a professional horticultural career.

The training placements are full-time and trainees are paid a salary and share accommodation within a modern, fully equipped six- bedroom estate house. All trainees have their own private bedroom with en-suite bath/shower room and share common rooms.

On completion, 95% of MacRobert trainees have gained full-time employment within prestigious gardens across the UK, or have secured progressive training placements at RHS Gardens, Cambridge University Botanical Gardens, Kew, Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania and many more.

Applications will only be accepted by using The MacRobert Trust Application Form. This form and further information and testimonials from former trainees is found on our website.

To contact the Head of Gardens:

Stephen McCallum CHort FCIHort SHM.

Tel: 07779 67776 or Email: [email protected].