FAQs for Certificate in Botanical Horticulture/Trainee Horticultural Technician

As we ask for a minimum Level 2, then a Level 1 would score less during the short-listing process. Other criteria would be considered e.g. amount of practical experience, interest, & ability to complete assignments at Level 4 grade to fulfil the outcomes of the Trainee scheme.

Other possibly relevant qualifications, not RHS or C&G: You’ll need to be able to demonstrate knowledge of plants, horticultural practice and theory, which is why we look for both a qualification and practical experience. (Perhaps have a look at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Level 2 curriculum for comparison). If you can demonstrate a good grounding in practical plant knowledge along with the practical experience you have gained, you could certainly apply.

If no Horticultural qualification, we recommended that you find out more about the RHS qualifications in the first instance: https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning

If no practical Horticultural experience, we recommend looking for opportunities to gain some experience of growing plants and practical horticulture as an amateur, volunteer or professional.

There are a few strands to this answer, please see below for some clarification:

· The Trainee Technician title is subject to the recruitment framework of the University. Other establishments might call similar schemes something different. It is designed for applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to a career in Horticulture rather than first starting out

· The successful applicants work full time alongside our permanent Horticulturist staff from day one. Whilst they are being trained, it benefits the trainees if they already have some foundation skills to maximise the learning experience

· The Certificate of Botanical Horticulture builds upon existing Horticultural knowledge. The traineeship is designed specifically for a Botanic Garden that has a large and varied plant collection not always found in other settings

· Horticultural traineeships and apprenticeships are very competitive therefore candidates may have gained experience and training whilst waiting to qualify for the scheme

Sadly, we do not have the resources to offer any other training positions. We do occasionally need more Horticultural volunteers to assist our Teams. These would be advertised on our website.

No. The scheme is designed to be studied full-time, over one year. Trainees rotate between the three major horticultural teams throughout the year which forms the larger part of their learning in the traineeship. There will also be more formally arranged training sessions during working hours which all trainees would be required to attend. The programme includes some weekend work on a rota basis and to assist at various garden events for which additional hours are paid.

Trainees work on site with each horticultural team. The earliest horticultural start is 7.30 am finishing at 3.30pm and the latest is 8am finishing at 4pm.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a staff tour, phone call or meeting, ahead of the selection process. The traineeship is very popular, and we do receive many requests for staff time to discuss the position. If you do apply and are selected for interview, you will have a tour of the Garden with one of our current Trainees who can answer any questions you may have about the traineeship

You could have a look at the following account on Instagram to see what our trainees do: @cubgtrainees

If you do have any specific questions, not covered in the Further Particulars, you are very welcome to email admin@botanic.cam.ac.uk and we will endeavour to answer your queries by email.

Our Horticultural Trainee programme is open to anyone who feels that they meet the requirements as stated in the Further Particulars. For non-UK settled workers, please note that the skill level of this role would not be high enough to support a Skilled Worker Visa. Overseas candidates would need to demonstrate a Right to Work in the UK. Please see the University’s guidelines here on the documentation required.

The Interview includes a practical test that is scored and a tour of the Garden, both of which feed into the formal selection process. Therefore, in-person interviews are a necessity for this role.

Sunday 15 March 2026. Please note applications can not be made after midnight (UK time) on that date. We are unable to accept applications outside of the online system and after the closing date.

Are there any dates for the interviews?

Interviews are planned for week commencing 20 April 2026.

Is there a start date? Would you consider applicants who could not start straight away?

The Trainee Horticultural Technician runs from 7 Sept 2026 to 5 Sept 2027 and we require all trainees to start at the same time.

You will need to Register on the University of Cambridge recruitment system to make an online application. Please see more information here: https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/applying/

Unfortunately, we can only accept applications via the University’s online job application system. Please note CVs cannot be attached with your online application so please make sure all relevant information is included on the online form.

If you experience technical difficulties with the online application process, please contact our Technical Support Team: technical.recruitmentsupport@admin.cam.ac.uk

Once we are in receipt of your application and shortlisting has taken place, all applicants will be notified by email of whether their application will be taken further.

For tips on how to complete various sections of the online form, see here for details