Training as a gardener specializing in ornamental horticulture

At least a good secondary school leaving certificate should be available at the time of the start of training. The grades in German and mathematics should be at least "satisfactory" or better on the school leaving certificate.

The working hours are 40 hours per week. There are fixed working hours from Monday to Friday from 7:45 to 16:15.

The training program for horticulturists specializing in ornamental horticulture has a dual structure and lasts three years. Trainees work in the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department's own greenhouse, where they gain practical experience right from the start.

Theory is taught on certain days of the week at the vocational school, the Willy Brandt School in Kassel.

As an apprentice gardener specializing in ornamental horticulture, you will learn the following during the theory phase at vocational school:

1st year of training

In the first year of training, as a prospective  gardener, you will learn everything about plants and their use in theory during 2 vocational school days per week. There is a strong focus on nature conservation and environmental protection, for example in teaching environmentally conscious construction and maintenance measures. Other focal points are the organization and marketing of the training company.

2nd year of training

The second year of training is largely used to consolidate what you have already learned and to prepare for the intermediate examination. You will also learn the difference between the various types of farm equipment and how to organize work processes correctly. Instruction is limited to one day of vocational school per week.

3rd year of training

In the last year of the apprenticeship, the focus is on the chosen area of specialization, in which you acquire subject-related knowledge. This is taught on a second vocational school day per week. In the case of ornamental horticulture, for example, trainees learn more about sales procedures, opportunities for further training and assistance in preparing their main crop for the final examination.

A monthly training allowance is paid in accordance with Section 8 (1) of the Collective Agreement for Trainees of the State of Hesse (TVA-H BBiG). This currently amounts to

• 1,126.85 EUR in the 1st year of training
• 1,181.43 EUR in the 2nd year of training
• 1,231.51 EUR in the 3rd year of training

Athletes: As a horticulturist specializing in ornamental horticulture, you must have a certain level of physical fitness. You will often work in the same posture, such as kneeling or squatting, for long periods of time. You should also be reasonably strong because you will often be carrying heavy bags of soil or fertilizer.

Nature lovers: Gardeners specializing in ornamental horticulture work outdoors for most of their working hours - in sun, rain or snow. That's why you shouldn't mind the different weather conditions, because you always like to be out in the open air.

Perfectionist: In ornamental horticulture, we work with delicate and filigree seeds or seedlings that have to be separated. That's why you should handle the plants responsibly and work very thoroughly.