Professional Work Placement; PWP in Wellbeing & Communities

The placement provides the opportunity to spend a full year immersed in a particular garden department, studying a specific group of plants, garden practice or style while completing a Level 3 Award. You will gain knowledge, experience, skills and training in your specialism in a work‑based context, preparing you for professional life in the industry.

The Wellbeing and Communities Professional Work Placement (PWP) candidate will be involved in all aspects of therapeutic and community gardening practiced at RHS Bridgewater.

You will work with the Therapeutic and Community Grow Gardeners in the Wellbeing and Community Grow Gardens respectively. The role will also spend time with the Outreach Team working with communities and schools across Greater Manchester.

The focus of this role is to work alongside our Horticultural Therapist and Community Grow Gardener, assisting in the planning of person‑centred horticulture‑based activities at Bridgewater and collaborating with the team and volunteers to deliver those sessions. You will work with knowledgeable staff on the use of horticulture to improve personal wellbeing, support community cohesion, and develop skills and confidence.

The successful candidate will be given the opportunity to run their own group sessions, providing valuable experience in planning, managing and developing groups.

During the placement you will complete horticultural research culminating in a project write‑up and submission for the RHS Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation, which will be funded by the RHS. Candidates completing the Level 3 qualification will be allocated a Project Supervisor who will support and advise on the project write‑up. To achieve the qualification you will be required to attend several online sessions (live or recorded) over a period of nine months, submit a project write‑up and complete a professional discussion.

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet. We are proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each team member brings and offer the opportunity to make a difference across our social media channels, the RHS Gardens, garden centres and national marketing campaigns.

Are you enthusiastic about horticulture? Have you already completed (or are studying for) a Level 2 horticultural theory qualification and have at least three months of practical experience? Are you interested in specialising and completing a Level 3 Award to further your career? Successful applicants should have already completed (or be studying for) a Level 2 horticultural theory qualification or apprenticeship standard and have a minimum of three months practical experience in the industry at the time of application.

To be eligible, applicants must not hold or be studying for a Level 3 Diploma (or equivalent) in horticulture or above.