RHS Horticultural Qualification, levels 2 and 3

[Greensystem]

Just wondering if anyone has done one of these courses and then taken it further in terms of education/career? And if so, would you mind sharing how? I have a background education in biology but little to no specialisation in plants.

Thanks in advance and happy gardening!

Oh dear, plantae pervolentes! Maybe the wrong place to post..

Different question for anyone reading. Have you been to the International Plant Messe in Essen, Germany? It looks really interesting and I am thinking about getting tickets. If anyone has been or knows about it I would be grateful for some info!

I answered an almost identical question earlier in the year. Advanced search should bring it up!

My name for that occasion was IamSpartacusTheGardener

Thanks for the reply IAMcorbyndallas, much appreciated.

I have done as you suggested and have found it useful. Unfortunately I don't have a garden and will only be able to partake in the online distance course due to where I live and current time constraints. For practical experience I will in the near future be looking to volunteer or (hopefully) get work at the local Botanic gardens.
Unlike yourself I am starting off not competent or indeed confident, but as a novice who is interested and willing to learn. I don't just want to pass the exams, I want to really understand the ins and outs of horticulture and all it entails and use this as a first step towards a professional career. I have had some experience with working outside and some gardening over the years, but from what you have said about the course in your other post I am going to start with the level 2 course so that I can make sure I am covering the basics up.

Thanks again

Definitely level 2 and if they still use the same course book it is fantastic. If you read ahead you are pretty much doing the course.

Good luck!

Thanks!

I did RHS2 a few years ago, really enjoyed it. I did it at a horticultural college and there was a mix of people doing it for interest/hobby (like me) and those aiming for a career in gardening. You could look at this part time training as well www.wfga.org.uk/wrags/ - a friend of mine did this for practical experience while doing RHS2 & she now works full time as a gardener and loves it.

Thanks idea888, I will look into it for the future when I have more time. I have started the RHS level 2 and really enjoying it so far. If anything I wish I had more time to spend on it! Treated myself to a small Christmas cactus yesterday after seeing lots of people post theirs in bloom - no doubt just the first in a long list of future plants!