Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative L2 Apprenticeship

Summary

This is a wonderful opportunity for a budding plantsperson wanting to kick-start their career in horticulture by joining an award-winning vibrant young company as an Apprentice Gardener, supporting the existing team of landscape gardeners whilst studying for a Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Apprenticeship.

Wage

£15,704 a year

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Annual

Training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Hours

40-hours per week: Monday - Friday - 7.30am to 4.30pm with one hour for lunch and one day for study at Brinsbury College

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 7 October 2025

Duration

2 years 4 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

Working with a young vibrant team of gardeners and designers creating high quality landscapes to a prestigious standard, the successful applicant will embrace long days and hard work in return for the opportunity to learn and grow into their chosen field. In line with the company culture, they will be expected to promote a positive working environment, ensuring the high levels of efficiency, communication and safety Mark Payne Garden Maintenance Ltd are known for.

Key Responsibilities include:

Seasonal pruning
Plant identification
Lawn maintenance and cultivation
Garden pest and disease control
Operation of garden machinery such as hedge cutters, lawn mowers and strimmer
Reading planting plans and implementing new planting schemes
Kitchen garden management, seed sowing and propagation
Soil cultivation, mulching and irrigation

Where you'll work

The Shed
28a Torton Hill Road
Arundel
West Sussex
BN18 9HL

Training

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

College or training organisation

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

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

Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths (grade 9-4)
English (grade 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

A strong sense of aesthetics
Keen eye for detail
Achieves high standards
Good organisation skills
Ability to problem solve
Able to adapt and prioritise
Excellent time management
Physically fit
Happy to work in all weather
Personable
Reliable
Punctual
Good work ethic

Other requirements

Location is on the A24 southbound and is not serviced by public transport so ability to travel to work by car will be essential -Day release would be at Brinsbury College near Pulborough with limited public transport. -This is a 28-month apprenticeship including end point assessment. -This role will be physically demanding with long days and only those who are committed to completing the apprenticeship and looking for a long-term career in Horticulture should apply. -Applicants MUST BE resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and have work authorisation for the UK. -Applicants WILL NOT BE eligible to apply if they have already achieved a qualification which is equal to or higher thank the apprenticeship standard on offer. -Applicants MUST BE resident in the area local to the apprenticeship opportunity or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study. -Applicants MUST BE committed to the learning and stay to the end of the apprenticeship

About this company

Mark Payne Garden Maintenance is a high-end landscaping company based in West Sussex; we endeavour to create and develop beautiful, long-lasting gardens for our clients. With a portfolio encompassing intimate courtyards, contemporary townhouses, romantic cottage gardens and rambling countryside retreats.

After this apprenticeship

Following successful completion of the apprenticeship there will be opportunity for a permanent position with prospect for further qualification and training as follows: RHS Qualification (Level 2) Chainsaw License Spray certificates (PA1 and PA6) Specialist practical and theoretical courses in areas such as fruit tree pruning, propagation, planting design and kitchen garden management. First Aid qualification.

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