Amenity horticulturist : Entry requirements

The opportunity to enter horticulture is open to all, whether or not you have a degree/HND. Many of the horticulturists currently in senior positions entered the field straight from school, gaining qualifications through part-time study. However, the situation has changed recently and it is increasingly common for new entrants to have a horticultural qualification.

The following degree subjects could improve your chances of developing a professional career in amenity horticulture:

• horticulture;
• crop and plant science;
• soil science;
• environmental science;
• food science/technology;
• commerce.

The variety of non-degree qualifications is multifarious, including NVQs, certificates, diplomas, HNCs, and HNDs. The subjects you can study are also wide-ranging and include amenity horticulture, horticultural sciences, landscape and garden design, and organic production. Lantra: The Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector  has the Lantra CourseFinder  that allows you to search for courses by postcode.

Postgraduate study is not a critical requirement, but practical experience is desirable. Among the practical skills courses that might prove advantageous in helping to secure employment are the National Proficiency Test Council (NPTC)  Certificate of Competence courses on topics such as Chainsaw and Related Operations, and the Safe Use of Mowers and Hedge Trimmers.

In addition to practical cultivation skills, candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• a strong interest in plants;
• management and business skills;
• financial awareness;
• problem-solving skills;
• good communication skills;
• physical fitness;
• the ability to use your own initiative.

A full driving licence can be a useful asset and fluency in another language is helpful if you are thinking of working abroad.

Since practical experience is important, try to obtain a work experience placement or a vacation job within the industry. If you are interested in working overseas, a number of agencies such as AgriVenture  and the International Exchange Program UK (IEPUK)  offer work experience placements in all areas of horticulture.

After graduation, look out for advertisements as they arise in the industry's press. Short-term contracts are also a good way of gaining relevant experience. Be prepared to start in posts where you get your hands dirty before taking responsibility for a workforce.

The horticulture industry is struggling to recruit young people into the industry, but there is increasing interest from career changers, some of whom may have already had a lengthy career in a different industry. Many of them have had management experience in their previous careers and have come to horticulture for a change. They are therefore often reluctant to enter management in horticulture and prefer to stay ‘hands-on’. As a result, there is now a demand for people to train as managers or as technical specialists, especially as many experienced horticulture managers are in line for retirement over the next few years.

A professional qualification and post-qualification experience are becoming necessary for specialist posts within foreign governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), development agencies and consultancies alike. Temporary contracts, often for professionals without dependants, are now the norm as overseas governments seek to fill vacancies from within the indigenous population.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.