Apprentice Gardener - Magdalen College Oxford – Find an apprenticeship

Summary

Magdalen College is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our first-class team. Applicants should have a proven interest in horticulture and wildlife, and be self-motivated, active and able to work as part of a team or independently. £23,881 a year + £1,500 Oxford Location Allowance.

Wage

£23,881 a year

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Full-time job, working the following hours: February to November: 8am to 4.30pm including 30 minutes unpaid lunch break December to January: 8am to 4pm including 30 minutes unpaid lunch break. There may be a requirement to work Bank Holidays.

Training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Hours

February to November: 8.00am to 4.30pm including 30 minutes unpaid break. December to January: 8.00am to 4.00pm including 30 minutes unpaid lunch break.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

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

Magdalen College is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our first-class team. Applicants should have a proven interest in horticulture and wildlife, and be self-motivated, active and able to work as part of a team or independently.

The job can at times be very demanding. However, the successful candidate will gain the opportunity to make an immediate contribution to the work effort whilst drawing on the experience of a skilled and friendly team. The diverse landscape is rich in both flora and fauna.

Duties will include the following:

General ground maintenance including sweeping and litter removal, mechanical and chemical weed control, manual and mechanical ground cultivation, leaf clearing, path maintenance
Pruning: shrubs and wall shrubs
Border maintenance: weeding, forking, cutting back, lifting and splitting, planting, staking, tying in, deadheading and watering
Turf maintenance: mowing using various types of machines, scarifying, spiking, top dressing, re-seeding, weed control, pest control and disease control, repairing and renovating lawns
Hedge maintenance
Driving and routine maintenance of tractors and attachments
Managing the College deer herd including: moving deer from park to meadow at the correct times; managing monitoring of animals; feeding the deer herd; assisting with the transportation of animals
Maintaining machinery and vehicles, which will include, servicing and checking the conditions of machinery as appropriate and keeping accurate records of machinery
Assist in the maintenance of greenhouses and nursery
Grow relevant bedding for herbaceous border
Perform duties as part of team, but also to work independently when required
Abide by health and safety rules and regulations

You will be provided with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment, which must be maintained at all times. Should replacements be required, it is the Gardener’s responsibility to notify the Head Gardener.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and you may be required to carry out alternative tasks as instructed by your supervisor to ensure the Department can operate an efficient service at all times.

Where you'll work

High Street
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 4AU

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Your training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

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

Training is delivered in the workplace with day release at both Abingdon Campus and Common Leys Campus, Hailey near Witney.

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
20 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 based on portfolio

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade A*-C 9/4)
Maths (grade A*-C 9/4)

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
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience
Physical fitness

Other requirements

The successful candidate will possess the following physical requirements: The work is manual and requires dexterity of movement, e.g. in order to pick up items from the ground. You will be able to withstand high working temperatures and humidity You will be required to work outside in all seasons. You will be able to demonstrate competency in working with a wide range of horticultural tools and equipment in a safe manner. You must be able to interact with the public and visitors in all friendly and appropriate manner as this role is at all times representative of Magdalen College. You must wear corporate work-wear and special personal protective equipment. Ability to grasp information and apply recently-gained knowledge. Proven avid interest in horticulture, both indoor and outdoor working. Flexibility- occasionally the Garden Department need to work outside regular hours. This is managed on a flexible working arrangement organised by the Head Gardener. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. Please use your own words to answer the questions as AI generated answers tend to score lower and don't give the Hiring Manager a sense of why you are the right candidate for the role. As part of the recruitment process, longlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the Apprenticeship Training Provider and will be required to complete initial assessments in English and maths, provide an up-to-date CV and book onto a short eligibility assessment telephone call where you can also find out more about the apprenticeship and ask any questions you may have. Please note that you must respond promptly to training provider email and phone requests for information or your application may be rejected. By applying for this vacancy, you are giving the Training Provider permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. The Training Provider for this apprenticeship is Abingdon & Witney College. If you would like to talk to them about the assessments, please call on 01235 216216. 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. This advert may close early if applications exceed the required number. Please apply early so that you don't miss out.

About this company

Magdalen College is one of the most beautiful of the Oxford Colleges with a hundred-acre site of ancient and modern buildings, including the landmark Great Tower beside Magdalen Bridge. The gardens and grounds are set in 120 acres and consist of a diverse landscape including Formal Quads, Fellows’ Spring Garden with pond, Church Meadow, surrounding natural areas at Marston, a formal Rose Garden, outlying properties, Holywell Ford gardens and drive, river walks, water meadow and deer park.

http://www.magd.ox.ac.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Seek a full-time position within the horticultural industries or Higher-level horticultural course

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Jane Phipps

apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

01235216216

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000330937.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Wednesday 23 July 2025 at 11:59pm)

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Apprentice Gardener - Magdalen College Oxford

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