Site Facilities Apprentice at Forge Mill Farm

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

West Bromwich (B71 3SZ)

Closes in 19 days (Monday 5 January 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 17 December 2025

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Contents

Summary

Provide daily response with regards to site safety for visitors, staff & students, logging & reporting maintenance issues, maintaining site appearance, ensuring cleanliness & grounds upkeep. Support daily operations through premises management (fire safety, asbestos, risk assessments, COSHH) and event preparation.

Wage

£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Facilities services operative (level 2)
Hours
Start and finish times between 7am - 5pm, working 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis, including every other weekend, some evenings for special events, and bank holidays. This is a 7-day service, as animal care must be maintained every day.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 2 March 2026

Duration

1 year

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

To assist the Farm Management team with: 

  • Site maintenance/cleansing
  • Assist with retail outlets and educational school visits
  • Movement of equipment/products around farm buildings
  • Site appearance
  • Collection and delivery of items delivered to the farm
  • Assisting with emptying bins around the farm/ car park
  • Event preparation
  • Logging/reporting maintenance and safety issues
  • Undertaking premises management duties
  • Emptying clinical waste bins and dealing with emergencies, accidents and spillages
  • Regular checking and cleaning of visitor area/storage areas/welfare areas
  • To report any unsafe equipment to the Assistant Farm Manager
  • Keeping paths and driveways clear from ice/snow
  • To comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work regulations
  • To take reasonable care for the health and safety of self and others affected by daily duties/work and to co-operate with the employer in ensuring health and safety responsibilities are carried out
  • To work with contractors and suppliers to source products and service quotes
  • Supporting environmental and sustainable initiatives
  • Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills and feels comfortable engaging with members of the public and staff
  • Possess a flexible attitude to work throughout different sites within Forge Mill Farm and must be prepared to undertake occasional weekend and evening working
  • Willing to work in all weather conditions
  • Any other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post

Where you'll work

Forge Mill Farm
Forge Lane
West Bromwich
B71 3SZ

Training

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

Training provider

AXIA SOLUTIONS LIMITED

Training course

Facilities services operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Comply with relevant health, safety and environmental legislation (Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974) e.g. logging incidents, posting/distributing health and safety notices, checking fire extinguishers, fire alarms, confirming that checks have been carried out, use of PPE
  • Comply with other relevant legislation e.g. food safety, employment rights and responsibilities, data protection, equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs) e.g. permits to work, contractor risk assessments, safe systems of work, site inductions
  • Carry out health and safety checks in accordance with SOPs
  • Report the findings of health and safety checks in accordance with SOPs
  • Identify risks, hazards and threats to people, property and premises in accordance with SOPs
  • Act on the findings of health and safety checks in accordance with SOPs
  • Implement site emergency and evacuation procedures in accordance with SOPs e.g. acting as emergency evacuation marshal, submitting evacuation plans and reports/audits
  • Report on the actions taken in accordance with SOPs
  • Collaborate with other colleagues (e.g. security officers, cleaning operatives, receptionists, engineers and catering staff) in accordance with SOPs
  • Respond to customers’ queries and incidents in accordance with SOPs
  • Take action that is appropriate to the nature of the FM query (e.g. clarifying straightforward contractual/SLA queries, referrals/escalation)
  • Deal with complaints in accordance with SOPs
  • Keep customers informed of developments, issues and delays in accordance with SOPs
  • Apply policies in sustainability and corporate social responsibility in accordance with SOPs
  • Identify areas for improvement in sustainable and corporate social responsibility performance in accordance with SOPs
  • Make practicable suggestions for improvements to corporate social responsibility performance in accordance with SOPs
  • Operate the stock management system in accordance with SOPs e.g. stock checking, replenishment, stock ordering
  • Confirm the correct functioning of equipment used to deliver FM services in accordance with SOPs (e.g. franking machines, reprographics equipment, cleaning equipment, vending machines, catering trolleys, radios, walkie-talkies etc.)
  • Report the findings of premises and equipment inspections in accordance with SOPs
  • Carry out quality assurance checks in accordance with SOP's to ensure that FM services are delivered to the required standard.
  • Deal with feedback or escalate issues beyond their level of authority in accordance with SOP's
  • Collect FM-related information from a variety of sources (e.g. from BMS, helpdesk or in-house systems) in accordance with the task specification
  • Collate FM and health and safety information as specified (e.g. preparing preliminary reports such as energy usage and sustainability, heating systems, lighting systems, security and access systems) in accordance with the task specification
  • Identify and report on opportunities for improvement from information collected in accordance with the task specification using appropriate software applications and communication platforms
  • Provide support to the access management system in accordance with SOPs (e.g. ID checks, key authorization, security marking, security access data, building security alarm systems (access, CCTV etc)
  • Ensure communal areas meet required standards of cleanliness and presentation in accordance with SOPs (e.g. cleanliness checks, keeping the area tidy and free from hazards, maintaining the currency of publicity displays, dealing with post, deliveries and laundry, acting as a traffic marshal, removing rubbish etc)
  • Greet and treat visitors in accordance with SOPs
  • Ensure service areas are maintained in accordance with SOPs for cleanliness and hygiene (e.g food preparation areas, control rooms, compactors and refuse areas)
  • Support others through the provision of reception services, events organisation, hospitality and catering, room set-up and restoration in accordance with SOPs and the task specification
  • Report issues and problems in accordance with SOPs
  • Log jobs and arrange for repairs and engineering maintenance in accordance with SOPs
  • Carry out inspections of premises and facilities to ensure the correct functioning of buildings and plant equipment in accordance with SOPs e.g. access systems, temperature checks, repairs carried out
  • Carry out minor repairs and maintenance or ensure that they have been carried out in accordance with SOPs e.g. changing toner, changing batteries, replenishing stationary, PPM audits
  • Report the correct operation of FM buildings and equipment in accordance with SOPs
  • Keep asset registers up-to-date (checks, reconciliation, record keeping) in accordance with SOPs
  • Complete and keep up-to-date personal development plans
  • Keep FM-related skills up-to-date
  • Keep FM-related knowledge up-to-date
  • Manage customer expectations in accordance with SOPs and organizational expectations
  • Communicate with customers confidently and clearly using communication methods that are appropriate to the situation in accordance with organizational expectations
  • Support the project team constructively and in a way that engenders positive relationships in accordance with organizational expectations
  • Report on the extent that objectives have been met and escalate any issues in accordance with organizational expectations
  • Comply with relevant health, safety and environmental legislation (Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974) e.g. logging incidents, posting/distributing health and safety notices, checking fire extinguishers, fire alarms, confirming that checks have been carried out, use of PPE
  • Comply with other relevant legislation e.g. food safety, employment rights and responsibilities, data protection, equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs) e.g. permits to work, contractor risk assessments, safe systems of work, site inductions
  • Carry out health and safety checks in accordance with SOPs
  • Report the findings of health and safety checks in accordance with SOPs
  • Identify risks, hazards and threats to people, property and premises in accordance with SOPs
  • Act on the findings of health and safety checks in accordance with SOPs
  • Implement site emergency and evacuation procedures in accordance with SOPs e.g. acting as emergency evacuation marshal, submitting evacuation plans and reports/audits
  • Report on the actions taken in accordance with SOPs
  • Collaborate with other colleagues (e.g. security officers, cleaning operatives, receptionists, engineers and catering staff) in accordance with SOPs
  • Respond to customers’ queries and incidents in accordance with SOPs
  • Take action that is appropriate to the nature of the FM query (e.g. clarifying straightforward contractual/SLA queries, referrals/escalation)
  • Deal with complaints in accordance with SOPs
  • Keep customers informed of developments, issues and delays in accordance with SOPs
  • Apply policies in sustainability and corporate social responsibility in accordance with SOPs
  • Identify areas for improvement in sustainable and corporate social responsibility performance in accordance with SOPs
  • Make practicable suggestions for improvements to corporate social responsibility performance in accordance with SOPs
  • Operate the stock management system in accordance with SOPs e.g. stock checking, replenishment, stock ordering
  • Confirm the correct functioning of equipment used to deliver FM services in accordance with SOPs (e.g. franking machines, reprographics equipment, cleaning equipment, vending machines, catering trolleys, radios, walkie-talkies etc.)
  • Report the findings of premises and equipment inspections in accordance with SOPs
  • Carry out quality assurance checks in accordance with SOP's to ensure that FM services are delivered to the required standard.
  • Deal with feedback or escalate issues beyond their level of authority in accordance with SOP's
  • Collect FM-related information from a variety of sources (e.g. from BMS, helpdesk or in-house systems) in accordance with the task specification
  • Collate FM and health and safety information as specified (e.g. preparing preliminary reports such as energy usage and sustainability, heating systems, lighting systems, security and access systems) in accordance with the task specification
  • Identify and report on opportunities for improvement from information collected in accordance with the task specification using appropriate software applications and communication platforms
  • Provide support to the access management system in accordance with SOPs (e.g. ID checks, key authorization, security marking, security access data, building security alarm systems (access, CCTV etc)
  • Ensure communal areas meet required standards of cleanliness and presentation in accordance with SOPs (e.g. cleanliness checks, keeping the area tidy and free from hazards, maintaining the currency of publicity displays, dealing with post, deliveries and laundry, acting as a traffic marshal, removing rubbish etc)
  • Greet and treat visitors in accordance with SOPs
  • Ensure service areas are maintained in accordance with SOPs for cleanliness and hygiene (e.g food preparation areas, control rooms, compactors and refuse areas)
  • Support others through the provision of reception services, events organisation, hospitality and catering, room set-up and restoration in accordance with SOPs and the task specification
  • Report issues and problems in accordance with SOPs
  • Log jobs and arrange for repairs and engineering maintenance in accordance with SOPs
  • Carry out inspections of premises and facilities to ensure the correct functioning of buildings and plant equipment in accordance with SOPs e.g. access systems, temperature checks, repairs carried out
  • Carry out minor repairs and maintenance or ensure that they have been carried out in accordance with SOPs e.g. changing toner, changing batteries, replenishing stationary, PPM audits
  • Report the correct operation of FM buildings and equipment in accordance with SOPs
  • Keep asset registers up-to-date (checks, reconciliation, record keeping) in accordance with SOPs
  • Complete and keep up-to-date personal development plans
  • Keep FM-related skills up-to-date
  • Keep FM-related knowledge up-to-date
  • Manage customer expectations in accordance with SOPs and organizational expectations
  • Communicate with customers confidently and clearly using communication methods that are appropriate to the situation in accordance with organizational expectations
  • Support the project team constructively and in a way that engenders positive relationships in accordance with organizational expectations
  • Report on the extent that objectives have been met and escalate any issues in accordance with organizational expectations

Training schedule

  • At the end, you will gain a Level 2 Facilities Services Operative qualification. This will include any Functional Skills as appropriate.
  • The apprenticeship training will be delivered in the workplace, as you will receive visits from a college assessor.
  • The apprenticeship will also include a proportion of 20% off-the-job training and a robust programme of apprentice training provided by Sandwell Council, to include Workplace Professionalism and Equality and Diversity.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English Language (grade 9-4/A-C)
  • Maths (grade 9-3/A-D)

Other in:

  • English (grade Level 2)
  • Maths (grade Level 1)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness
  • Work in all weathers
  • Interest in Animals
  • Wear a uniform
  • Follow instructions
  • Friendly attitude
  • Professional image
  • Flexibility & reliability
  • Timekeeping & attendance

Other requirements

Additional skills & qualities required: Ability to use garden tools and equipment safely and effectively without close supervision. The ability to climb a ladder and work at height. A commitment to working with young people and to working in support of an inclusive ethos. Maintain confidentiality at all times with visitor information.  To be approachable, dependable and able to maintain enthusiasm at all times.

This position will suit someone who is comfortable working around animals and in an outdoor environment in all sorts of weather conditions.

All leave must be taken outside of the school holidays.

Proof of qualification certificates will be required during the recruitment process.

About this employer

Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. For more information about Sandwell Council’s apprenticeship programme and our recruitment process please visit our YouTube channel. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

  • This apprenticeship is a fixed-term 12-month contract. However, the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this apprenticeship will allow you to gain future opportunities in the sector.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

AXIA SOLUTIONS LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000005564.

Apply now

Closes in 19 days (Monday 5 January 2026 at 11:59pm)

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