Garden Centre Worker

Garden centre/horticultural workers are responsible for and involved in the development and growth of plants on a large-scale basis. They work in garden centres which produce plants and grow flowers for sale to the general public. They may also sell garden tools and garden furniture.

Garden centre workers are likely to be involved in some of the following:

• growing plants, including sowing seeds and planting bulbs
• watering, weeding, pruning, and feeding nutrients to plants
• identifying and dealing with pests and diseases
• maintaining horticultural tools, machinery and technical equipment
• retail sales and marketing, and providing advice and guidance to customers
• making sure the temperature, light and humidity in greenhouses is at the optimum level.

There are many opportunities for sales to be made within a garden centre; therefore excellent customer service and communication skills are required.

Hours vary depending on the season. They may start early and finish late in the summer months. The work is rewarding and can be physically demanding and will involve work inside or outside in all weather conditions.

Salaries range from around £12,000 to £15,000 per year up to £40,000 per year for those in a management post.

A garden centre worker should:

• be able to understand the scientific and technical aspects of horticulture
• be able to work alone and as part of a team
• be able to communicate with colleagues and customers effectively
• have good customer service and sales skills
• be able to provide customer advice and guidance.

There are over 2,900 garden centre businesses within the UK employing over 64,000 people. Jobs are available throughout the country.

Although no formal qualifications are required, some employers ask for GCSEs (A*-C), or a BTEC First Diploma in horticulture.

Customer service experience is also important and some employers may also look for this type of previous experience.

The Diploma in environmental and land-based studies may be relevant for this area of work and it may also be possible to enter this career through an appropriate Apprenticeship scheme.

Entrants mostly train on the job, working alongside experienced workers or a supervisor. Full- and part-time courses are available at many colleges, providing theory and practical experience.

In most large organisations, it is possible to progress to supervisory and managerial positions after gaining experience and additional qualifications.

Further details