Training opportunities

Training at the Botanic Garden

We have an international reputation for quality training and education programmes. We enjoy teaching and have the experience and skills to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to further your career.

We can accommodate training for:

International student volunteers

This is usually in a voluntary placement of 1 to 12 months but we will consider less than 1 month. To find out more contact Barbara Wheeler, Collections Supervisor, Dunedin Botanic Garden 477 4000 or botanic@dcc.govt.nz

Training Placement

We can accommodate students who are currently studying at an overseas horticultural college and have to train overseas to meet course objectives. To find out more contact Barbara Wheeler, Collections Supervisor, Dunedin Botanic Garden 477 4000 or botanic@dcc.govt.nz

Work Placement

For people no longer in horticultural training who need to further their experience and training. To find out more contact Barbara Wheeler, Collections Supervisor, Dunedin Botanic Garden 477 4000 or botanic@dcc.govt.nz

Apprentices

After a 3-year contract of work and study, this apprenticeship will result in the NZ Certificate in Amenity Horticulture (Level 4). The qualification is highly respected by the horticulture industry both in NZ and overseas.

You will work a 5-day week in the Botanic Garden  plus carry out theoretical study with Otago Polytechnic. You need to keep a daily work diary, sit monthly plant identification tests and attend annual block courses of 2 weeks with Otago Polytechnic.

Apprentices are paid industry rates and have normal work entitlements such as leave. Every 6 months you will be rotated to a new plant collection to develop an understanding of all aspects of plant collection management, development and maintenance.

4Trades Apprenticeships, Otago Chamber of Commerce, Apprentice Facilitator - Botanic Garden, phone 479 0181.

Work Experience

We offer work experience to school students who are serious about horticulture and want to see if it is a career option for them. Ask your school to arrange a week or two's work experience with us.

To find out more contact Barbara Wheeler, Collections Supervisor, Dunedin Botanic Garden 477 4000 or botanic@dcc.govt.nz

Project Green Jobs

We provide 6 month practical experience/work for the full time Malcam Trust Project Green Jobs programme.

This small team works in the Botanic Garden learning workplace requirements and vital practical experience in Grounds Maintenance.  Contact the Malcam Trust on 477 4175 or visit their website at www.malcam.org.nz.

Otago Polytechnic Horticulture Courses

We provide the practical component for the New Zealand National Certificate in Horticulture course, in partnership with the Otago Polytechnic.

For more information or to enrol, contact the Otago Polytechnic Natural Resources Department.