Who can apply for a PGT award?

To apply for an award from the Professional Gardeners’ Trust (PGT) you need to be a professional gardener, working in the UK, who is unable to finance their own training. Click here to read our full guidelines for applicants. There’s also lots of useful advice on this Plant Network interview with our awards manager:

Podcast with Adrian Thorne, PGT Awards Manager. Episode 46.

When should I apply?

We need to receive your completed application a minimum of EIGHT WEEKS before you need to enrol for the course. 

How do I apply?

To make an application you will need to fill in and send an application form (MS Word download) and full CV. We also ask for two referees that we can approach.

What happens next?

Your application form and CV will be passed onto our Board of Trustees. This information, together with your online presence (for example: Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook, blogs), is assessed by the board, who consider both you and the course you have chosen. Once a decision has been reached, you will be informed and payment or reimbursement is arranged.

If I am successful, what are the terms and conditions?

As a condition of receiving the award, you will need to submit a report about your training with some images. These may be used by us to encourage others to apply and also to demonstrate our work to current and potential donors. You can read our Report Guidelines and also our Privacy Policy. To see past reports, view our Past Beneficiaries page.

Do you accept applications for garden design courses?

The PGT only considers applications for garden design courses where design skills are shown to be necessary and useful to the applicant's existing horticultural role. We require the applicant to have been working in horticulture for a minimum of 2 years already. We do not consider applications where the applicant is intending to move into garden design as their primary source of income, except where the applicant has a significant career history in horticulture and has good reason for the move.

Can I apply if I am unemployed or making a career change?

If you are unemployed or planning a career change, we can’t consider you for an award, but we can offer you some ideas and information to help you towards your first role.

Details about other sources of funding.

Information about careers in horticulture.

Free advice, support and financial assistance for those working in horticulture.

What if I still have questions?

If you have any queries please contact our Awards Manager, Adrian Thorne by emailing: adrian@pgtrust.org