Gardening careers - RHS gardens or National trust?

Hi, everyone. I was hoping someone here might have some advice on how to secure a job at either an RHS garden or a National Trust garden? This would be a career change after doing freelance design for the last couple of years.
I have studied towards RHS level 2 certificate, I actually need to re-sit 1 unit to make it the full certificate. I have seen some jobs in RHS gardens recently and they require a level 2 qualification and obviously practical experience. As well as having a lifelong interest in gardening, I've been volunteering at a park and historic gardens ( council owned) for 3 months now.
The RHS garden 'Level 1 Horticulturalist' positions require - "an RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent, with proven practical experience in horticulture, which may be acceptable in lieu of a formal qualification."
Does anyone have any idea what would be sufficient in terms of practical experience? I'm guessing my 3 months probably isn't. I have been thinking of setting up a garden maintenance business to start in the Spring, which I suppose would get me further practical experience whilst I continue to look for my dream job.
Does anyone have any advice or experience in these types of jobs?
Thanks!
I have studied towards RHS level 2 certificate, I actually need to re-sit 1 unit to make it the full certificate. I have seen some jobs in RHS gardens recently and they require a level 2 qualification and obviously practical experience. As well as having a lifelong interest in gardening, I've been volunteering at a park and historic gardens ( council owned) for 3 months now.
The RHS garden 'Level 1 Horticulturalist' positions require - "an RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture or equivalent, with proven practical experience in horticulture, which may be acceptable in lieu of a formal qualification."
Does anyone have any idea what would be sufficient in terms of practical experience? I'm guessing my 3 months probably isn't. I have been thinking of setting up a garden maintenance business to start in the Spring, which I suppose would get me further practical experience whilst I continue to look for my dream job.
Does anyone have any advice or experience in these types of jobs?
Thanks!
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Posts
They might want a year's full-time experience, they might be happy with less - a key word here is 'proven'. Generally 3 months of volunteering (how often, how long?) probably isn't what they're aiming for, but it might be enough - especially if you've made enough of an impression for your volunteer supervisor to give you a good reference. As with all jobs, it's as much about who else is applying as anything else.
Talk to them, show you're keen, book yourself in for the February exam to retake the module (ie: show willing) and good luck.
I'd go freelance, build up your knowledge and experience then you can, as I did, pick and choose the jobs / clients which interest you.
Hi Jenny. I have enquired today about volunteering at the new RHS Bridgewater near Salford, so I'm applying and will hopefully get a place with them.