Green Gardening Skills East

|Women’s Horticulture Training Programme

Groundwork London – Step into Horticulture Programme

Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London
Course Duration: 22 June – 31 July 2026
Qualification: City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Horticulture
Cost: Fully funded (subject to eligibility)

Application deadline: 31 May 2026

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 Grow a Career in Green Spaces

Green Gardening Skills East is a practical horticulture training programme designed to support women into careers within the green sector.

Delivered as part of Groundwork London’s Step into Horticulture programme, this course combines hands-on gardening experience, employability coaching and industry-recognised training, helping participants build confidence and take their first steps into green careers

Participants will also benefit from support and engagement with employers including idverde.

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the programme, learners will gain practical skills in:

• Maintaining flower beds and planting schemes
• Plant identification
• Safe use of hand tools and small horticultural machinery
• Practical gardening and green space maintenance
• Working outdoors as part of a horticulture team

The course also includes:

• Educational visits to some of London’s leading parks and open spaces
• Practical sessions and work experience opportunities
• Employability coaching and job support
• Interviews for live vacancies within the sector

Qualification

Participants will work towards the:

City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Horticulture

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Live in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest or Newham
• Be aged 18+
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Be currently not in employment, education or training (NEET)
• Identify as women (women-only programme)

Practical Information

This is a practical outdoor course involving:

• Planting, pruning and machinery use
• Moderate to strenuous physical activity
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions

Participants will receive:

• Safety boots and gloves
• One-to-one support from a dedicated Employment Advisor
• Ongoing support from the wider Groundwork team

Applicants should bring:

• Comfortable outdoor clothing
• Packed lunch and refreshments
• A positive attitude and good timekeeping

Next Steps & Progression

• Start with a taster day before committing (subject to eligibility)
• Gain practical skills and industry experience
• Receive support to progress into employment and further qualifications
• Access interviews for live green sector vacancies

Location

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
East London

How to Apply

For more information or to apply, contact:

jenny.warne@groundwork.org.uk