Apprentice Gardener TOPIARUS HORTICULTURE LTD

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a passionate and enthusiastic local person to undertake a horticulture apprenticeship with Topiarus horticulture Ltd based in Chipping Norton. We focus on providing a professional gardening service of the highest standard to our clients across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds and would like you to join the team!

Sign in to apply

Closing date: 10 May 2024

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £17,000.00

  • Working week

    Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

    Total hours per week: 40

  • Expected duration

    18 Months

  • Possible start date

    03 Jun 2024

  • Date posted

    13 Mar 2024

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000237438

  • Positions

    2 available

What you will do in your working day

Core tasks associated to this role include: 

  • Garden Maintenance 
  • Weeding 
  • Pruning 
  • Hedge Trimming 
  • Soil & Border Preparation  
  • Planting – Trees, shrubs & Perennials 
  • Assist in soft landscaping projects 
  • Lawn Maintenance 

The training you will be getting

Duration:
• 15 months practical training period, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment
Delivery model:
• Work-based training with your employer
• Approximately 12 on-site assessment visits per year
• 14 days college attendance to complete Horticulture Principles and Practice course
• 1 day college attendance to complete Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid course
• 2 days college attendance to complete Level 2 PA1 Pesticides course (theory)
• 2 days college attendance to complete L2 PA6 Pesticides course (practical)
• Level 1 Functional Skills in Maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required)
• Off the job training will count for at least 6 hours a week of an apprentice’s time at work
Qualifications included:
• Level 1 Functional Skills in English and Maths
• Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid
• Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides
• Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment
• Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship
End Point Assessment:
• Knowledge test
• Practical assessment
• Professional discussion

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

For a succesful apprentice a full time role of Gardener would be offered with future prospects at Topiarus. 


Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Team working, Physical fitness, Positive Attitude, Practical Skills

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent 4 GCSEs, including English, maths and a science (Grade A*- C / 9 - 4) Desired

Things to consider

Please apply as soon as possible for this role. Should the right candidate be found prior to the closing date, then the vacancy may be closed early. Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session: Any new person applying for apprenticeship roles where Abingdon and Witney College deliver the training will be required to attend an Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session at Witney or Abingdon campus.  This will consist of a series of initial assessments (required prior to any apprenticeship offer), completion of essential paperwork, the opportunity to find out more about the apprenticeship process, the training included, and a forum for your questions.  As a new Apprenticeship applicant you will only have to undergo this process once. If you would like to talk to us about the assessments or if you would need any extra support to attend the Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session please call us on 01235 216216.       Qualification checks: By applying for this vacancy you are giving Abingdon and Witney College permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. We make every effort to ensure that applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds or those who may not have the formal GCSE entry requirements can access apprenticeships where possible.     The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for Apprentices is £6.40 per hour from April 2024. This applies to 16 - 18 year old apprentices and those aged 19 and over during the first year of their apprenticeship. After this, the National Minimum wage appropriate to their age applies. The Wage for apprentices applies to both time spent on the job plus time spent training.

About the employer

We focus on providing a professional gardening service of the highest standard to our clients across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. Established since 2004 we have ensured that numerous clients have received exceptional service in the care and maintenance of their gardens. At Topiarus horticulture Ltd, we pride ourselves on providing a professional gardening and grounds maintenance service of the highest quality. We aim to offer all of our clients a first rate experience where we understand the needs for their garden and work with you to achieve a wonderful outside space that they can enjoy.

Employer

TOPIARUS HORTICULTURE LTD

Address

15E Elmsfield Industrial Estate, Worcester Road

Chipping Norton

OX7 5XL

You must have JavaScript enabled to view a map of the location


Training

Training provider

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Contact

Joshua Harris

apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

01235216216

Apprenticeship standard

Horticulture or landscape construction operative

Level 2 (GCSE)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications


Before you apply

Before you apply for an apprenticeship you must first create an account. If you already have an account you'll need to sign in.