Apprenticeship as a gardener – specializing in ornamental plant cultivation

TASKS AND PROSPECTS

As a gardener, you’ll become a professional in handling plants, from cultivation to seed production. During your apprenticeship, you’ll learn everything you need to know, for example:

• Cultivation, propagation and care of potted plants, summer flowers, wild plants, perennials and shrubs,
• Sowing, thinning, potting, dividing and cutting of seedlings,
• Harvest of flowers, fruits and seeds,
• Watering, fertilizing, carrying out biological and chemical plant protection,
• mechanical and manual soil cultivation
• Working on plants in the greenhouse and in the open field,
• Plant identification and recognition of damage patterns on plants,
• Observing growth processes,
• Transporting, collecting and storing plant products,
• Determining soil components and soil types as well as
• Cultivation and propagation of horticultural products.

THEORETICAL TRAINING
You will complete the theoretical part of your training at the Vocational School for Agriculture in Oppenheim. In addition, you will attend the supplementary courses offered by the German Training Institute for Agricultural Technology (DEULA) in Bad Kreuznach.

PRACTICAL TRAINING
During your practical training you will work in the Botanical Garden on the campus of the University of Mainz and complete internships in horticultural businesses.

START OF TRAINING
You start on 01.08.2027.

TRAINING DURATION
After 3 years you’ll be finished and ready to launch your career – we hope with us, of course! Under certain conditions, you can even shorten your training.

REQUIREMENTS

• You need at least a vocational qualification,
• good German skills (at least B2 level),
• an open-minded personality with an interest in new things,
• Good self-organization, a high willingness to learn, and initiative.

YOUR APPLICATION WITH US

Does that sound interesting? We look forward to seeing you!

Apply by October 31, 2026 with just a few clicks via our application portal!

For a successful application you need

• a cover letter,
• your CV as well
• proof of your school leaving certificate (if this is not yet available, the last certificate is sufficient for now),
• For foreign school-leaving qualifications, a German translation and state recognition are required.
• Proof of language proficiency (minimum B2 level) may be required.

People with severe disabilities and those with disabilities who are treated as equivalent to them under Section 2 Paragraph 3 of the German Social Code, Book IX (SGB IX), will be given preferential consideration if they are suitably qualified.

Employment in the public service of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate is only permitted if you guarantee that you will uphold the free democratic basic order in accordance with the Basic Law and the Constitution for Rhineland-Palatinate at all times.

You can find more information about all the professions you can learn with us here.

We offer

Secure and transparent remuneration according to the collective agreement of the federal states, as well as additional benefits such as an annual bonus and company pension scheme.

Prospects for a future-proof and crisis-proof job after your training with many opportunities

Flexible working hours, 30 days of vacation and fair regulations for reconciling work and family life

We value a culture of appreciation, equal opportunities, and diversity. Look forward to open communication, a supportive and respectful environment, and motivating instructors who will support you.

Combine theory and practice and apply your knowledge directly to advance science and society together on the vibrant and dynamic campus.

Support for parents and caregivers, childcare places, and a wide range of health and sports activities on campus.

Additional benefits during your training such as book allowance, completion bonus and a free Germany ticket

Good accessibility near Mainz Central Station