WALES faces a growing shortage of skilled horticulturists, but the National Botanic Garden of Wales has found a way to fill the gap. This Apprenticeship Week Wales (February 9-15), the Carmarthenshire attraction is celebrating more than a decade of running a successful programme.

The Garden’s apprenticeship programme has helped turn a skills gap into a future-proof workforce.

In 2015, the landmark Millennium project near Carmarthen took on its first group of apprentices with no horticultural experience. Today, some of those former apprentices are responsible for running the world’s largest single-span Great Glasshouse and caring for Wales’ most important plant collections.

Over the last ten years, 14 apprentices have been recruited at the 568-acre site – from school leavers to career changers - with around half progressing into full-time roles, including senior horticulture and science engagement positions.

Former apprentices now lead specialist areas such as the Great Glasshouse and Double Walled Garden and contribute to public science engagement.

Today, apprentices follow a structured two‑year programme built around seasonal, hands-on learning and rotational placements across the Garden’s core horticultural operations, giving apprentices a full understanding of how priorities and techniques shift throughout the year.

With around 200,000 visitors each year, apprentices play a key role in maintaining nationally important plant collections in Wales.

Donald Murray, Head of Horticulture, Learning and Nature said:

“We originally launched our apprenticeship programme in response to a long-term workforce challenge facing the sector: fewer young people were entering horticulture yet demand for skilled practitioners to care for living plant collections and landscapes was rising. Apprenticeships were a great way to tackle the skills gap.”

“Our training combines practical experience with formal qualifications. Apprentices work towards recognised outcomes including RHS Level 2 Principles of Horticulture, supported by supervised, work-based learning. Funding for training has been hugely beneficial for us.

“Apprenticeships have become integral to our success. They strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality horticulture and support our wider mission of education, skills development and public engagement. They also bring fresh ideas and energy into the team.

“Many apprentices join us with diverse life experiences, especially those changing careers, and their curiosity encourages knowledge-sharing and mentoring. Through project work and seasonal programmes - including contributing to show gardens at major Welsh events such as the Royal Welsh Show - apprentices gain modern skills in planning, budgeting and implementation that directly benefit the organisation.

“Our apprenticeship scheme has strengthened our recruitment, retention and succession planning. Skilled horticulturists can be difficult to attract, and the programme provides a clear pathway into employment while fostering pride in passing on specialist knowledge.”

Beyond supporting the Garden, apprentices contribute to Wales’ wider green skills agenda.

“Our apprentices engage with visitors, community groups and volunteers, acting as ambassadors for horticulture, biodiversity and wellbeing. They help inspire the next generation.”

Looking ahead, the National Botanic Garden Wales hopes to expand its apprenticeship model into science and conservation, education and engagement, estates and land management, and hospitality and visitor experience.

“For other businesses considering apprentices, it’s been a no‑brainer for us. It’s helped us grow and filled key skills gaps. Go for it.”

As Wales faces the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, the National Botanic Garden of Wales believes investing in people and practical skills has never been more important.

Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant said:

“Apprenticeships like those at the National Botanic Garden of Wales are essential to building the skilled workforce we need to tackle the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

“By combining hands-on experience with recognised qualifications, we're equipping the next generation with practical expertise to protect and restore our natural environment. I'm proud to support programmes that create meaningful green careers here in Wales."

Apprenticeship Week Wales runs from 9–15 February 2026, celebrating the value apprenticeships bring to learners, employers and the Welsh economy, and highlighting the positive impact of apprenticeship programmes across the country.

The week will highlight the work being done across the apprenticeship community to promote the positive impact they are having throughout Wales.

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit www.gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 6 03000.