Horticultural Training Scheme

Every year, up to four new entrants to horticulture are awarded a place on our Horticultural Training Scheme, which pays a salary and provides accommodation within the estate if it is needed.

Trainees are in post from mid September for twelve months and take a hands-on role under the supervision of experienced gardeners at our three principal horticultural sites: Douneside House, Alastrean House and Tarland Lodge. Training is sometimes extended to a second year for particularly good trainees who would benefit.

A wide range of operations take place across the three sites including lawn maintenance, ornamental tree pruning, hard and soft landscaping, and fruit and vegetable cultivation.

The MacRobert Trust gardens have been accredited by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) as a ‘Qualifications Approved Learning Centre’. Practical training and assessment to RHS Level 1 and 2 can now be provided in-house, in addition to training and assessment at SVQ Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

Trainees are encouraged to work towards formal SVQ and RHS qualifications wherever possible. For those who are already qualified, the scheme provides practical experience in all the areas you need for a career in horticulture.

On successful completion, trainees are presented with The MacRobert Trust Trainee Gardener Certificate and given support in finding further employment or training within the horticultural industry.

If you would like to apply for a place on the Horticultural Training Scheme, please read the guidelines carefully before filling in the application form. Applications for a placement on the Horticultural Training Scheme are invited from 22nd April 2013 and the closing date is 17th May 2013.