School Work Experience (ages 14-18) and Youth Volunteering with New Shoots at the RHS Please Note: read these instructions carefully, then scroll down to make sure you click through to the correct programme you wish to apply for - if the garden you wish to apply for is not listed on this page then applications are now closed.
Thank you for your interest in applying for either school work experience or youth volunteering with New Shoots at the RHS.
To apply for an opportunity, please click on the opportunity first and then 'Fill in an application' button on the right hand side. Our application process starts with asking you to create a profile on our work experience/volunteer management software called 'Better Impact'. If you already use Better Impact for another organisation or are a current RHS Volunteer looking to apply for a different opportunity, please use your existing username and password to log in.
If you are under the age of 16 you must get the permission of your parent/guardian to complete this application.
If you have any questions before, or during, applying please contact us on newshoots@rhs.org.uk
RHS Garden Bridgewater is the newest garden of the Royal Horticultural Society located in Salford, Greater Manchester. We offer work experience opportunities of one week, subject to availability, for individuals in years 10/11 and sixth form. All placements are a great way for you to explore what it is like in the workplace, gain general skills such as teamwork, and specifically gain and understanding of professional horticulture.
Placements are offered within the following teams:
- Gardens (Curatorial) -
- Welcome Building a mix of visitor services, catering and retail.
- Education - with our school visit team
- With our machine engineer
To apply for a placement you will need to complete the application form and tell us specifically why you would like to undertake work experience with the RHS.
For Spring/Summer applications there are two rounds of review - one in early January for applications made before the start of the spring term, and one in early March for all remaining applications (applications after this date will be reviewed on an as need basis). Your application will be scored against other applications received, and you will be notified whether you have been successful or unsuccessful in being awarded a placement.
If you are successful, but your chosen team is no longer available (this could be due to spaces already having been filled or dates being incompatible), you will be offered an alternative team.
If you have any questions before, or during, the application process please contact us at newshoots@rhs.org.uk
We are committed to being an inclusive recruiter and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all applicants to share this commitment.
To apply, complete an application form at the top of this page, even if you have applied with us before. Please note this link will take you through to our Work Experience Portal where, if you have not already done so, you will be prompted to create a login before progressing to the application form. If you have used this system before, please use your existing login details.
RHS Garden Rosemoor is the Royal Horticultural Society's garden nestled in the North Devon Torridge Valley. We offer work experience opportunities of one week, subject to availability, for individuals in years 10/11 and sixth form during Autumn and late Spring/Summer. All placements are a great way for you to explore what it is like in the workplace, gain general skills such as teamwork, and specifically gain an understanding of professional horticulture.
Placements are offered within the following teams:
- Gardens (Curatorial)
- Food and beverage (Catering) please let us know on your application if you would like to work in the kitchen, front of house or a mix of both
-School visits (Education)
-Public Programming (Events)
To apply for a placement you will need to complete the application form and tell us specifically why you would like to undertake work experience with the RHS.
For Spring/Summer applications there are two rounds of review - one in early January for applications made before the start of the spring term, and one in early March for all remaining applications (applications after this date will be reviewed on an as need basis). Your application will be scored against other applications received, and you will be notified whether you have been successful or unsuccessful in being awarded a placement.
If you have any questions before, or during, the application process please contact us at newshoots@rhs.org.uk
We are committed to being an inclusive recruiter and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all applicants to share this commitment.
To apply, complete an application form at the top of this page, even if you have applied with us before. Please note this link will take you through to our Work Experience Portal where, if you have not already done so, you will be prompted to create a login before progressing to the application form. If you have used this system before, please use your existing login details.
Situated in Harrogate North Yorkshire, RHS Garden Harlow Carr is the most northerly of all the RHS gardens.
We offer work experience opportunities of one week, subject to availability, for individuals in years 10/11 and sixth form. All placements are a great way for you to explore what it is like in the workplace, gain general skills such as teamwork, and specifically gain an understanding of professional horticulture.
Placements are currently offered within the following teams:
- Gardens (Curatorial)
- Library Services
- School Visit (Education)
To apply for a placement you will need to complete the application form and tell us specifically why you would like to undertake work experience with the RHS.
We review all the applications that we receive ( for Spring / Summer work experience) in January and then we review again in Early March. If you apply after March, we will be happy to review your application but please be aware that all the opportunities for that year may have been taken by then. Your application will be scored against other applications received, and you will be notified whether you have been successful or unsuccessful in being offered a placement.
If you are successful, but your chosen team is no longer available (this could be due to spaces already having been filled or dates being incompatible), you may be offered an alternative team.
If you have any questions before, or during the application process please contact us at newshoots@rhs.org.uk
We are committed to being an inclusive recruiter and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all applicants to share this commitment.
To apply, complete an application form at the top of this page, even if you have applied with us before. Please note this link will take you through to our Work Experience Portal where, if you have not already done so, you will be prompted to create a login before progressing to the application form. If you have used this system before, please use your existing login details.
Do you have a passion for the environment and being outdoors? Alternatively, do you want to gain more experience in gardening, meet like-minded people and develop your skills?
If your answer to either is yes, then why not come and support the UK’s leading gardening charity in the beautiful setting of RHS Garden Rosemoor?
The New Shoots team are offering youth volunteering roles for anyone aged 14-21 as part of their project to increase the number and diversity of people choosing horticultural careers and volunteering. Initially this will be one day a week across the summer holidays supporting the Rosemoor New Shoots coordinator to plant, maintain and harvest around the New Shoots allotment before moving to our new Greener Skills Garden in 2026.
Please read the RHS Rosemoor Youth Volunteer Role for more details on what the role will include.
Applicants aged 14-21 should feel free to apply - we welcome everyone to apply, whether you have no gardening experience or lots, are confident talking to visitors or want to develop your engagement skills!
We will invite you to a (very) informal interview to decide whether the role is suitable for you before we offer places.
If you are still not sure please get in touch with us at NewShoots@rhs.org.uk for more information
We are committed to being an inclusive recruiter and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all volunteers to share this commitment.
To apply, complete an application form at the top of this page, even if you have volunteered with us before. Please note this link will take you through to our Volunteer Portal where, if you have not already done so, you will be prompted to create a login before progressing to the application form. If you have used this system before, please use your existing login details.
Please make sure you describe how your skills are relevant to the role you are applying for (as specified in the role description) as this is how applicants will be shortlisted.
Applications are being welcomed until 11 July 2025. Informal interviews will be held at RHS Garden Rosemoor or online via Microsoft Teams following application.
