Kew Specialist Certificate in Orchid Cultivation
A one year, full time course for horticulture students to gain a specialist certificate in orchid cultivation.
Overview
This course is perfect for horticulturists wishing to specialise in a particular area of horticulture by spending a full year within that area of specialism.
Open to horticulturists anywhere in the world who would like to come to Kew to undertake some professional training in some of Kew’s unique plant collections. This course runs from September to September.
This programme involves:
- working full-time with the orchid collections in the display houses and behind the scenes in the Tropical Nursery. This includes helping with Kew’s annual Orchid Festival.
- undertaking two weeks of work experience or a travel scholarship related to orchid cultivation.
Coursework
- attending the Kew Diploma lectures on Protected Cropping & Environmental Controls and The Management of Living Collections
- completing a project looking at a range of pests, diseases and cultural issues affecting Orchids
- regular plant identification tests
Additional qualifications
- FEPA PA1 & PA6aw
- Manual handling course
- Health & Safety training
- Inhouse tractor driving course
Salary
- £19,582 per annum, plus a £725 book and equipment allowance
Eligibility
Applicants:
- are expected to hold a Level 2 qualification in horticulture, or equivalent (such as a PGG traineeship or HBGTP)
- should have as a minimum six months* practical experience in a professional horticultural environment (*six months in total - not, for example, one day a week for six months)
- must be computer literate with the ability to produce word-processed coursework
- from overseas are considered, and acceptance is subject to a work permit being granted for non-EU nationals. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential and evidence to that effect will be requested
