Summary
Working for an award-winning landscape company that offers a complete garden service, managing garden construction from the designer’s initial concept plan to the completion of the fully planted and landscaped garden and then onward garden management and maintenance.
Wage
£15,704 a year
Training course
Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Hours
Must be on site by 8am (not including travel). Finishing at 4pm (not including return travel). 30 mins lunch break.
40 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 21 April
Duration
2 years
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
* For this position we require a well presented, hardworking and dedicated person who is enthusiastic about developing their skills and knowledge and who can work in a team to create and manage high-end gardens
* Core operative duties to support the delivery of high-quality workmanship covering all aspects of landscaping, groundworks and garden management
* Clearing, weeding, blowing, mowing, strimming, edging, tidying, mixing, digging, rotavating, planting, mulching, paving and other related tasks
* Following instructions from your line manager, team leader/foreman and garden designer
* Paying special attention to the working environment, keeping the site tidy, and supplies stored correctly and ensuring site is kept safe – no spills, obstacles, trip hazards etc.
* Dealing promptly with issues arising and escalating them immediately to your line manager
* To comply with health and safety legislation
Where you’ll work
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
* 10 ALEXANDRA ROAD, ASH, ALDERSHOT, GU12 6PN
* Green Lane Farm House, Green Lane, Badshot Lea, Farnham, GU9 9JL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
THE WINDSOR FOREST COLLEGES GROUP
Your training course
Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Equal to GCSE
Course contents
* (Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
* (Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
* (Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
* (Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
* (Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.
* (Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
* (Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
* (Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
* (Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
* (Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
* (Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
* (Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
* (Core) Install turf for situation.
* (Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
* (Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
* (Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.
* (Landscape construction) Measure and set out an uncomplicated site in preparation for landscape construction activities.
* (Landscape construction) Use free hand cutting and or bench cutting of hard landscape materials using abrasive wheels.
* (Landscape construction) Repair constructed landscape features (simple and noncomplex) for example re-grouting, re-sanding, damaged fencing.
* (Landscape construction) Construct paved feature for example path, patio or shed base. Including setting levels, sub bases, laying bases, finishing.
* (Landscape construction) Construct vertical landscape features including fences, ornamental vertical features, and walls.
* (Landscape construction) Install drainage in landscaping.
* (Landscape construction) Construct horizontal landscape features (excluding paving).
* (Horticulture) Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil.
* (Horticulture) Provide aftercare to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use.
* (Horticulture) Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics.
* (Horticulture) Maintain soft landscapes for example - staking or support, division, seasonal clearance, and re-planting.
* (Horticulture) Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens, and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents).
* (Horticulture) Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs).
* (Horticulture) Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form).
* (Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
* (Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
* (Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
* (Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
* (Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.
* (Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
* (Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
* (Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
* (Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
* (Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
* (Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
* (Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
* (Core) Install turf for situation.
* (Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
* (Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
* (Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.
Your training plan
* Level 2 Horticulture Construction Operative
* Level 2 Functional skills in English and maths if required
* One day a week at the BCA campus for practical hands-on and theory-based activities
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
* English and Maths (grade (Grades 3-4 / D-C))
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Patience
* Physical fitness
Other requirements
We are looking for a hardworking and reliable individual with a passion for gardening and landscaping. You must be willing to learn, work well in a team, and be flexible and mobile. The role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions and requires physical stamina. Key responsibilities include: - Supporting the creation and maintenance of high-end gardens - Carrying out landscaping, groundwork, and garden management tasks such as weeding, mowing, planting, paving, and more - Following instructions from senior team members and ensuring a safe, tidy work environment - Traveling to and from garden sites daily Applicants must be well-presented, customer-focused, and understand the importance of client confidentiality. Compliance with Health & Safety regulations is essential.