Training as a gardener specializing in ornamental horticulture
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Image: Sonja RodeWhat does a gardener specializing in ornamental horticulture do at the University of Kassel?
At the start of the apprenticeship, you should have at least a good secondary school leaving certificate. The grades in German and mathematics should be at least "satisfactory" or better in the school leaving certificate.
The working time is 40 hours per week. There are fixed working hours from Monday to Friday from 7:45 am to 4:15 pm.
The training to become a gardener specializing in ornamental plant cultivation has a dual structure and lasts three years. Trainees work in the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences' own greenhouse, where they gain practical experience right from the start.
The theory is taught on certain days of the week at the vocational school, the Willy-Brandt-Schule in Kassel.
As an apprentice gardener specializing in ornamental horticulture, you will learn the following during the theory phase at vocational school:
1st year of training
In the first year of training, you will learn everything about plants and their use in theory during 2 days of vocational school per week. There is a strong focus on nature and environmental protection, for example in teaching environmentally conscious construction and maintenance measures. Other focal points are the organization and marketing of the training company.
2nd year of training
The second year of training largely serves to consolidate what you have already learned and to prepare you for the intermediate examination. You will also learn the difference between the various farm equipment and how to organize work processes correctly. Lessons are limited to one day of vocational school per week.
3rd year of training
In the final year of training, the focus is on your chosen specialization, in which you acquire specialist knowledge. This is taught on a second day of vocational school per week. In ornamental plant cultivation, for example, trainees learn more about sales processes, further training opportunities and assistance in preparing their main crop for the final examination.
What does a horticulturist specializing in ornamental horticulture earn at the University of Kassel?
A monthly training allowance is paid in accordance with Section 8 (1) of the collective agreement for trainees in the state of Hesse (TVA-H BBiG). This currently amounts to
- EUR 1,126.85 in the 1st year of training
- EUR 1,181.43 in the 2nd year of training
- EUR 1,231.51 in the 3rd year of training
Athletes: As a gardener specializing in ornamental plant cultivation, you need to have a certain level of physical fitness. You will often work for long periods of time in the same posture, such as kneeling or squatting. You should also be reasonably strong, as you will often be carrying heavy sacks of soil or fertilizer.
Nature lovers: Gardeners specializing in ornamental horticulture spend most of their time working outdoors - in sun, rain or snow. That's why the different weather conditions shouldn't bother you, because you always enjoy being out in the open air.
Perfectionist: Ornamental plant cultivation involves working with sensitive and delicate seeds or seedlings that need to be singled out. You should therefore handle the plants responsibly and work very thoroughly.
Tell us about your training
The job of a gardener is very varied, with work both in the greenhouse and outdoors. You accompany the plant from seedling to planting and sale. Care must be taken to ensure that the plant is optimally cared for, which includes the nutrient requirements, the choice of substrate and the use of fertilizers. In addition, the prevention of diseases and pests plays an important role in the growth process.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship and this one in particular?
After leaving school, I specifically didn't choose to study, as I wanted to create career security and gain practical experience first. I have been interested in horticultural professions since my first internship in the 9th grade, regardless of the subject area. During the internship, I also became aware of the profession of landscape architect and was later able to gain practical experience in the fields of horticulture and gardening and landscaping. These experiences solidified my decision to choose a new specialization. After training as a gardener, I wanted to study to become a landscape architect and apply the knowledge I had acquired.
What else would you like to pass on to others?
Many people have told me personally that the specialist area of "ornamental plant cultivation" is becoming less and less represented. For this reason, I would like to convince more people to choose and support this field. Industrialization is simplifying the profession, which means that manual skills are being lost. Here at the University of Kassel, the job description and the associated course content are taught very well. For anyone who wants to study, I recommend gaining practical experience in advance so that you can apply what you have learned to your subsequent studies.
Ask yourself beforehand whether you ...
- have a green thumb.
- are "weatherproof".
- like digging in the earth.
Or whether ...
- your houseplants don't survive for long.
- you would prefer a desk job.
- you want to use your foreign language skills for your work.
Go-Link of this page: https://www.uni-kassel.de/go/ausbildung-gaertner