Any tips and advice for becoming a estate gardener ?

[Johnsmith1995]

Iam currently an apprentice gardener with a local council, I'm studying horticulture and I'm hoping to become an estate gardener one day

Is there any tickets (spraying and chainsaw I'm aware of) you'd recommend I get and also any knowledge and other things I can do / brush up on to boost my skill set.

 

[monarman]

Pesticide training is a definite.... pa1 and pa2 minimum but also pa9 (misting and fogging) for greenhouses.
Chainsaw is handy and so is strimmer training...
You may also have to do a tractor driving course but I'd wait until you are employed and get the employer to put you through it on whatever tractor the estate has...

I'm sure there is other training that would help but I've only touched on what I know my estates gardening team have.

All the best.

 

[muddy42]

Yes some qualifications help, but in my view estates tend to be more concerned about the individual - that they are a pleasant person, squeaky clean and willing to work hard. Get out there and get your name known. Find out how you can help out in busy periods with beating, lambing, the harvest or mowing the grass. Maybe check out www.ruralrecruits.co.uk for estate openings. Estates tend to hate it when someone has any form of grey marks, from minor driving offences, family or marriage disputes or a history of using employment tribunals. Just my view.

 

[JK89]

Most will ask for a minimum of chainsaws CS30 and CS31 plus Pesticides PA1 and PA6. Qualifications in the use of ATV's, tractors etc are always a bonus to employers.

 

[greenshoots]

stick with council get as much education/qualifications as possible move to supervisory position when possible dont limit yourself to estate work look at private and industry

greenshoots

 

[User00040]

Be willing to work for worse money than you could get elsewhere.

 

[Crowstalker]

stick with council get as much education/qualifications as possible move to supervisory position when possible dont limit yourself to estate work look at private and industry

greenshoots

I fully agree with this stick with the Council you will be much better off in the long run with your pension and sick pay etc. Not to mention promotions.

 

[old man]

Maybe, to be taken seriously you should work towards a Masters in Horticulture?
Your employer may help with the costs?
Serious work but no argument with the qualification once attained.

 

[User00036]

Watch the film Being There, Pete Sellers. Be careful, you may be the next Dominic Cummings.