Green Gardening Skills East – Horticulture Training Programme

Join our 5-week Green Gardening Skills East training programme and start building a career in London’s parks and green spaces

As part of Groundwork London’s Step into Horticulture programme, based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, you’ll receive practical gardening training, employability coaching and work experience, supported by leading employers including idVerde. 

Supported by Royal Parks Guild, London boroughs of Tower Hamlets & Hackney and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

What You’ll Learn

  • Maintain flower beds and planting
  • Learn how to use a range of hand tools and small machinery used in gardening and horticulture
  • Develop plant identification skills
  • Take part in practical sessions where you can demonstrate your learning and build work experience
  • Take part in educational visits to some of London’s greatest parks and open spaces
  • Work towards the City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Horticulture

Key Programme Details

  • Duration: 5 weeks (course delivered 4 days per week)
  • Qualification: City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Horticulture
  • Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London
  • Support: 1-to-1 Employment Advisor plus wider team support throughout the course

Eligibility 

To join Green Gardening Skills East, you must:

  • Live in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest or Newham
  • Be not in work, training or education (NEET)
  • Be aged 18+ with proof of your right to work in the UK

Practical Information

This is a practical, outdoor course involving moderate to strenuous physical work, including planting, pruning and machinery use. Safety boots and gloves will be provided, but you’ll need to bring comfortable, warm clothing and a passion for working outdoors.

Please bring a packed lunch and refreshments each day.
Good timekeeping and a positive, “can-do” attitude are essential

Course Dates

  • Course start date: 5 January 2026
  • Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London
  • Application deadline: 15 December 2025

On successful completion of the course you will receive your Level 1 Award in Horticulture certificate, which you can use to apply for jobs in gardening, grounds maintenance and related green-space roles. You will also receive ongoing support from coaches to find employment or progress into further training.

Apply Now

Contact: Jenny Warne at jenny.warne@groundwork.org.uk