Apprenticeships act as an accessible avenue into any industry. From hands-on experience to learning support, those searching for entry into horticulture have the opportunity to do so with apprenticeships from organisations such as the Landscape Institute, The Royal Parks and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Chris Shaw, a first year Level 2 Horticultural Operative, is six months into his apprenticeship with the RHS. “I think apprenticeship’s are really special. I don’t think anything else gives you an opportunity like an apprenticeship does where you get hands-on experience. You’re treated like a part of the team and you get to meet all the people within the industry while also being a complete beginner.”
After dropping out of university, Shaw went into a career in wedding planning. After just over two years, with several mornings spent dreading the working day ahead, he felt it was time for a change. “I didn’t know where I wanted to go,” he admits, until a conversation with his grandparents sparked an interest in horticulture.
“I’ve never been very good at sitting at computers, I knew I always wanted to do something active. So, when I learnt about this opportunity, I jumped at it with two hands.”
The two-year course combines working across RHS gardens, college studies and further opportunities for a career in horticulture. “Everyday is different. We learn while being a part of the industry. I think that’s what is quite special about the RHS course – it’s very connected.”
Shaw has met names from across the entire industry, learning first hand what it is like to work for the RHS.
On the course with three others, the 22-year-old finds it very social. “I was so worried about finding friends, but within the first day – you do.” He explains the others have prior experience with gardening and horticulture, while “I had no interest prior.”
“However, I have always cared for the environment since I was young and had a pull to the outdoors, but I’ve never seen it as a career before.”
Since being a part of the RHS course, Shaw hasn’t stopped learning. “We’re surrounded by people who have been in the industry their whole lives and you come in the morning and they’re still reading books and looking up new articles because it’s constantly changing and that’s really a big draw for me – the fact you can never hit the limit you always are learning that’s something very special to me.”
Having just passed his probation, Shaw looks forward to what the next year and a half will bring. Further than that, he wants to expand his knowledge in exotic plants whilst travelling around the world.
The Landscape Institute (LI) and London Design and Engineering University Technical College (LDE UTC) have formed a new partnership to strengthen and expand delivery of the Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprenticeship, with the first jointly delivered cohort starting in January 2026. The collaboration brings together the LI’s professional standards, industry reach and membership framework with LDE UTC’s proven apprenticeship delivery, specialist facilities and teaching excellence. The result is a more robust, inclusive and career-focused pathway into the landscape profession.
This partnership marks a significant step forward for the apprenticeship. LDE UTC was awarded five “Exceptional” judgements, the highest possible national recognition, in its November 2025 Ofsted inspection under the revised framework, reflecting outstanding teaching practice and learner outcomes. Apprentices will benefit from high-quality instruction, industry-informed curriculum design, and access to professional learning environments and up-to-date technology. Combined with the LI’s oversight and industry connections, the programme offers both educational quality and strong professional alignment.
The Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprenticeship blends academic study with practical workplace experience. It is designed to develop core technical capabilities alongside applied project skills. Apprentices gain competence in technical design, site planning, environmental assessment and management, and digital tools widely used across the sector, including Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This combination ensures learners build both theoretical understanding and job-ready technical fluency.
A defining feature of the enhanced programme is direct integration with the professional body. Apprentices join the Landscape Institute as Student Members at the start of their training and achieve Technician Membership (TMLI) upon successful completion. This gives participants early access to professional networks, events, resources and employer connections, helping them build identity and confidence within the sector from day one. For the LI, the partnership supports its goal of widening access to landscape careers, addressing skills shortages and embedding professional standards early in career development.
The apprenticeship is structured to deliver immediate value to employers while building long-term capability. Apprentices can contribute across the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility through to construction and handover. Their work may include producing drawings, maps and visualisations, carrying out site surveys, interpreting technical and environmental data, and supporting preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates. With grounding in design principles, planting design, sustainability, planning policy, environmental legislation and contract processes, they strengthen multidisciplinary project teams and support continuity on complex, long-term programmes.
Sustainability and climate-responsive design are embedded throughout the training. Apprentices develop applied knowledge of ecology, biodiversity, water management, climate resilience and long-term landscape maintenance. This supports delivery of projects linked to climate adaptation, green infrastructure and urban regeneration, areas of growing demand across consultancies and local authorities.
The programme runs for 24 months and is delivered remotely through online learning one day per week, making it accessible to employers and apprentices nationwide. By combining LDE UTC’s delivery strength with the LI’s professional leadership, the partnership establishes a stronger foundation for the apprenticeship, producing skilled, recognised and job-ready landscape technicians equipped to meet current and future environmental challenges.
