Which jobs are there in the horticulture sector where I don't need qualifications?

Beyou

I want to work outside in gardening or something similar but are there any jobs where I don't need a specific qualification in this area? I've got GCSE, and A - levels but nothing in horticulture. I also have a health and social care degree.

ERICS_MUM

What about a garden centre or nursery ? Our local one has a team of people putting out new plants, dead heading and pulling off yellowed leaves, changing the seasonal displays etc. Probably not well paid but you would be in a good position to do a part-time course for formal qualifications.

It's coming into the main garden-centre season shortly, you might be lucky.

Or could you set up a local gardening service - mowing, pruning, turfing and general maintenance ?

xapprenticex

Do you like sheep?

Silvertabby

OK, I've got to ask the question - why on earth did you do a Health and Social Care degree if you wanted to be a gardener?

TELLIT01

Silvertabby wrote: »

OK, I've got to ask the question - why on earth did you do a Health and Social Care degree if you wanted to be a gardener?

Possibly realised during the degree course that the sector isn't for them but had the sense to complete the degree anyway. Many employers simply look at the level of educational attainment, not the specific area.
To the original question, I would agree that the Garden Centre route is probably the best way in as there may the possibility of formal training and moving into the management side of things at a later date.

ambroze

Beyou wrote: »

I want to work outside in gardening or something similar but are there any jobs where I don't need a specific qualification in this area? I've got GCSE, and A - levels but nothing in horticulture. I also have a health and social care degree.

Hi I'm also changing career and getting into the industry with no relevant qualificatiions. My best advice is to send off speculative letters to nurseries or gardens and tell them your situation and that your keen to learn starting at the bottom....i did and i was given a chance!

You can also take on RHS courses in your spare time. Better still apply to WRAGS the work and retrain as a gardener scheme where they find you a placement and you work and get paid for 2 days a week for a year. http://www.wfga.org.uk/wrags.html

Good luck, its worth it!