Gardener

At the start of the training program, a good secondary school diploma is the minimum requirement. Grades in German and mathematics on the final school transcript should be at least “satisfactory” or better.

A monthly training allowance is paid in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Trainees in the State of Hesse (TVA-H BBiG). This currently amounts to

• 1,356.85 EUR in the first year of training
• 1,481.43 EUR in the second year of training
• 1,461.51 EUR in the third year of training

The workweek is 40 hours. Working hours are fixed from Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. each day.

In the greenhouse at the University of Kassel, you’ll learn how to cultivate plants and assess various growing conditions and factors. Seed quality, the sowing date, and even the growing medium all play an important role. Setting up and maintaining the outdoor garden beds is also part of your responsibilities. The use and proper handling of equipment, machinery, and tools make the work easier.

The first and second years of the program focus on basic vocational training. During this time, you’ll first become familiar with the training company and its operational processes and workflows. In a hands-on manner, you’ll also learn how to propagate plants using the right soil and fertilizer, taking environmental protection and nature conservation into account. In addition, you’ll learn how to identify pests on plants and implement plant protection measures. Operational plant protection will also play a role.

The third year of training is dedicated to specialization-specific training. The ornamental horticulture specialization focuses on the cultivation of cut flowers, bedding plants, potted plants, and balcony plants. To this end, gardeners in ornamental horticulture work extensively in greenhouses, but also outdoors during the summer. Gardeners propagate plants using seeds or cuttings and care for them until they are ready for sale. Afterward, the gardener coordinates the storage and sale of the plants. Advising customers is also part of their responsibilities.

After completing your training, you will generally be offered at least a temporary position. However, you can also start working as a skilled professional in nurseries or garden centers, gain further qualifications through master craftsman or technician training programs, or pursue new career paths in the agricultural and landscaping industries by continuing your education.