Landscaping Apprentice
YOUR GARDENS HAMPSHIRE LTD
SOUTHAMPTON (SO32 2PY)
Closes in 27 days (Monday 9 February 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 13 January 2026
Contents
Summary
We are keen to recruit an apprentice who is genuinely interested in landscaping. Initially, the role will involve labouring, but with the right mindset, they will soon progress on to the tools. We take pride in our craftsmanship and specialise in crafting exceptional outdoor spaces.
- Wage
-
£16,640 a year
- Training course
- Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
- Hours
-
40hrs per week, Monday - Friday. Hours to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 16 March 2026
- Duration
-
2 years 3 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
We are a high-end landscaping company specialising in bespoke outdoor spaces where quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are paramount. We are currently a close-knit team of two directors and are looking to take on an apprentice who has a genuine interest in the landscaping industry and a strong desire to learn the trade properly.
This is a rare opportunity to work directly alongside experienced directors who are passionate about passing on their skills. You will be involved in all aspects of our projects from the ground up and gain first-hand experience in high-quality landscaping rather than repetitive or low-skill labour.
As an Apprentice Landscaper, you will assist with the construction of our garden projects. Your role will be varied and hands-on, and you will be taught the correct methods, standards, and attention to detail required for high-end work.
To include:
- Laying of patios
- Decking
- Fencing
- Sleeper beds
- Pergolas
- Turfing
- Planting to planting schemes
Where you'll work
OAKLEAF COTTAGE
DROXFORD ROAD
SWANMORE
SOUTHAMPTON
SO32 2PY
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SPARSHOLT COLLEGE
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.
Training schedule
Attend Sparsholt College on a day release basis during term time, starting in April 2025. The rest of the time you will be learning alongside your mentors in the workplace.
More training information
Landscape Operative Level 2:
- Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (Ofqual registered) minimum 1-day course
- City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Abrasive Wheel Machines OR Lantra Abrasive Wheel Machines Course
- Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths achieve Level 1 and take the test for Level 2 before taking the end-point assessment
Apprentices will need to achieve the EPA's to achieve their apprenticeship:
- Online knowledge assessment – a 60-minute online test containing 40 multiple choice questions
- Practical assessment EPA – a range of 4 practical activities taking no more than six hours undertaken in controlled conditions with responses to verbal questioning from the Independent End Point Assessor
- The apprentice will undertake three core tasks and one task from the optional route – Horticulture or Landscaping
- Professional Discussion EPA - An hour-long professional discussion under controlled conditions between the EPA and the apprentice to allow the apprentice to demonstrate their knowledge
You will be required to attend Sparsholt College on a day release basis to learn about Landscaping, to include:
- Health & Safety
- Use and maintain non-powered and handheld powered equipment
- Use and maintain pedestrian-controlled equipment
- Environment protection
- Plant identification and nomenclature – Latin and common
- Vegetation control
- Soil science and cultivation
- Plant establish & maintenance
- Plant grown
- Plant health
- Establish and maintain amenity areas
- Survey and mark out sites for landscaping features
- Construct hard landscape features
- Maintain hard landscape features
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C(4) or above)
- Maths (grade C(4) or above)
Desirable qualifications
Other in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Physical fitness
- an interest in landscaping
- hard working
- able to work on own initiative
- an aptitude for learning
Other requirements
Working in all weather, early starts, some long days - someshort days. We have a no nonsense policy, if you don’t havean interest to learn we won’t give our time to teach.
About this employer
Welcome to Your Gardens, where we take pride in our craftsmanship. We specialise in crafting exceptional outdoor spaces tailored to our customers preferences. With meticulous attention to detail, our experienced team ensures each project is delivered to the highest standards.
Notably, Your Gardens has been honored with prestigious accolades, including the 'Platinum' and 'Best in Show' awards at the BBC Gardeners World Spring Fair 2024. Additionally, we were recognized as finalists for 'Best Company Under £1m Turnover' and 'Best New Company' at the esteemed Prolandscaper Awards 2024.
Both directors have the same vision, want the
best and are willing to teach the best.
After this apprenticeship
You may be offered a permanent position on successful completion of your apprenticeship. You may then progress on to a Team Leader role.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SPARSHOLT COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000007793.
Apply now
Closes in 27 days (Monday 9 February 2026 at 11:59pm)