Botanic Garden apprentices go from beginners to running Wales’ biggest glasshouse
The Carmarthenshire attraction is marking more than a decade of its horticultural apprenticeship programme during Apprenticeship Week Wales, saying the scheme has helped tackle what it describes as a long‑term skills shortage in the sector.
Garden says apprentices now run major plant collections
According to the Garden, some of the apprentices first recruited in 2015 — many with no horticultural experience — now help run the Great Glasshouse, which the Garden describes as the world’s largest single‑span glasshouse. The organisation says apprentices also contribute to maintaining plant collections seen by around 200,000 visitors a year.
Head of Horticulture, Learning and Nature, Donald Murray, said the programme was launched because the sector was facing “a long‑term workforce challenge”.
“Fewer young people were entering horticulture yet demand for skilled practitioners to care for living plant collections and landscapes was rising,” he said. “Apprenticeships were a great way to tackle the skills gap.”
An apprentice tends to plants near the Great Glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales during a training rotation.
(Image: National Botanic Gardens Of Wales)A horticulture apprentice works on a flower bed at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, gaining seasonal, hands‑on experience.
(Image: Botanic Gardens of Wales)
14 apprentices recruited, says Garden
The Garden says it has recruited 14 apprentices over the past decade, ranging from school leavers to career changers, with around half progressing into full‑time roles. According to the organisation, former apprentices now lead specialist areas including the Great Glasshouse and the Double Walled Garden.
The Garden says its current apprentices follow a structured two‑year programme involving seasonal, hands‑on learning and rotational placements across its 568‑acre site. Apprentices also work towards qualifications such as RHS Level 2 Principles of Horticulture, which the Garden says is supported through funded training.
“Integral to our success,” says Garden
Donald Murray said apprentices now play a central role in the Garden’s operations.
“Apprenticeships have become integral to our success,” he said. “They strengthen our ability to deliver high‑quality horticulture and support our wider mission of education, skills development and public engagement.”
He added that apprentices bring “fresh ideas and energy”, and that many career‑changing recruits contribute valuable life experience.
According to the Garden, apprentices also gain skills through project work and seasonal programmes, including contributing to show gardens at events such as the Royal Welsh Show.
Aerial view of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, showing the Great Glasshouse and surrounding gardens.(Image: National Botanic Gardens Of Wales)
Garden says scheme supports Wales’ wider green skills agenda
The organisation says apprentices also act as “ambassadors for horticulture, biodiversity and wellbeing” by engaging with visitors, volunteers and community groups.
Looking ahead, the Garden says it hopes to expand its apprenticeship model into science, conservation, education, estates management and hospitality.
“For other businesses considering apprentices, it’s been a no‑brainer for us,” Donald Murray said. “It’s helped us grow and filled key skills gaps.”
Minister praises programme
Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant said the scheme is an example of how apprenticeships can support Wales’ environmental ambitions.
“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,” he said.
“By combining hands‑on experience with recognised qualifications, we’re equipping the next generation with practical expertise to protect and restore our natural environment.”
A wider drone view captures the Great Glasshouse set within the Botanic Garden’s 568‑acre landscape.
(Image: National Botanic Gardens Of Wales)
Apprenticeship Week Wales runs from 9–15 February 2026, highlighting the impact of apprenticeship programmes across the country.
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