Hamilton Horticulture Apprenticeship

A group of three young adults gardening on a leafy bank; two are crouched while weeding and one is standing and giving a thumbs up to the camera.

Let your career bloom.

Our Apprenticeship provides an immersive, educational, hands-on working experience. During this two-year residential program, Apprentices gain skills and knowledge that help their careers in horticulture and related fields. 2026/2027 Apprenticeship applications are due Feb 1, 2026.

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About the Apprenticeship

Apprentices train alongside Jenkins’ horticulture team to learn our unique style of ecological gardening.
Apprentices spend the bulk of their time out in the gardens doing everything required to grow and maintain our landscape including weeding, pruning, mowing, watering, planting, and more.
A key part of the Apprenticeship is the design and completion of a unique project that furthers Jenkins’ mission and enhances the gardens for years to come.
Apprentices receive competitive compensation, on-site housing, benefits, and an educational stipend.

In addition to working in the garden, Apprentices have opportunities to share their developing skills and expertise with the public through tours, lectures, volunteer management, social media takeovers, and writing articles. Click the links below to see resources, articles, and virtual tours from our former Apprentices:

“You’re on-site [at Jenkins] and you’re in it. Being in America’s Garden Capital, with so many resources and such a large network around you, is really great for creating your own network and your own personal connections with people to see where you want to go after the [Apprenticeship].”

– Heather T., Apprentice 2019-2021

Two young women crouch on the edge of a paved path to pull weeds in late winter.

Where are they now?

Apprentices have taken the knowledge, skills, and inspiration they gain at Jenkins into the world in various roles including:

Community Forester at an urban greening organization
Project Coordinator at a landscape architecture firm
Horticulturist at a native plant landscaping company
Urban Forestry Technician for a consulting arborist
Head Gardener at a private estate

Get to know the Apprentices.

Watch recordings of past Apprentices sharing about their experiences in the program.

Note: We changed the name of the program from Hamilton Education Fellowship to Hamilton Horticulture Apprenticeship in 2024. Same great program with an updated name to match!