Training as a gardener specializing in herbaceous perennials takes 3 years and is a typical apprenticeship within Germany’s dual system of vocational training. If you meet the relevant requirements (Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or have completed a vocational training program), the course can be shortened to two years.
At the Hohenheim Gardens, apprentices are trained mainly in the care and use of herbaceous perennials, and can acquire very good knowledge of plants.
Growing larger numbers of plants and the handling and marketing of herbaceous perennials are taught by our partner firm Häußermann in Möglingen during a three-month period each year.
During your time with us, you will learn:
- Gardeners specializing in herbaceous perennials grow and care for garden flowers such as irises and delphiniums, grasses and ferns, as well as aquatic plants.
- During propagation and cultivation, they take into account location requirements, growth characteristics, and natural plant communities of herbaceous perennials.
- They work the soil using equipment and machinery, weed, take and plant cuttings, and fertilize the plants.
- They grow the young herbaceous perennials outdoors or in the greenhouse, prepare them for sale, and market them.
- They also advise customers on the most suitable location for their plants.
During their training, trainees attend in-house seminars to supplement their vocational school education and to enhance their hands-on learning.
- In the second year of training, trainees take an intermediate examination.
- The final written and practical examinations take place at the end of the training program.
Practical exams are conducted at a horticultural business.
We aim to offer trainees employment after they have completed their training, but this depends on whether a vacancy is available.
Trainees are currently paid:
- € 1,086.82 in the first year of training
- € 1,140.96 in the second year of training
- € 1,190.61 in the third year of training
On 1 November 2024, the amounts will increase by a fixed sum of EUR 100, and on 1 February 2025 by a further fixed sum of EUR 50.
Applications must be submitted during the application period (see overview above).
Documents
- Cover letter
- Résumé (CV)
- Copies of the last two school reports (mid-year and full-year reports),
- Evidence of work experience or internships, if applicable
How to apply
Application preferably as a PDF file by email to:
Email: gaerten@uni-hohenheim.de
After completion of the selection process, all application documents are destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations.