Assistant Gardener Apprentice

THE BROCKLESBY ESTATE

GRIMSBY (DN41 8PN)

Closes in 11 days (Friday 24 April 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 13 April 2026

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Summary

Level 2 Horticulture Apprentice Assistant Gardener at Brocklesby Estate. Work within a traditional walled garden, greenhouses, and wider estate grounds including grass and wildflower meadows. Gain hands-on experience in planting, pruning, propagation, and garden maintenance while learning sustainable practices.

• Wage:

  £16,224 to £25,775.88, depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
• Hours: The role is based on a typical working week of Monday to Thursday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm (including half hour unpaid lunch break).

  39 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 11 May 2026

• Duration:

  2 years

• 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

The apprentice will work alongside the Head Gardener and wider garden team, supporting the day-to-day maintenance and development of Brocklesby Estate’s gardens and grounds.

• Duties will include working within the traditional walled garden which is Organic Certified, and greenhouses, assisting with planting, propagation, watering, and general plant care
• The role will also involve mowing lawns, maintaining grassed areas, and supporting the upkeep of wildflower meadows through tasks such as rough cutting and seasonal management, along with top fruit and soft fruit pruning. The apprentice will assist with harvesting both food produce grown on site and flowers used for displays, including produce from the vinery, soft herbs, and year-round salad crops such as lettuce. Also to assist with poultry and bees
• There will be opportunities to gain experience in market gardening, propagation techniques, and floristry, including creating table and house displays using estate-grown materials
• Also some involvement with machinery maintenance. The role will offer exposure to wider estate activities, including forestry work where appropriate

Where you'll work

ESTATE OFFICE
BROCKLESBY PARK
GRIMSBY
DN41 8PN

Training

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

Training provider

BISHOP BURTON 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

Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2.

The programme is delivered through a blend of workplace learning and college attendance, typically 4 days in the workplace and 1 day in college at Bishop Burton College. This supports the development of practical horticulture skills alongside essential knowledge.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 3/D)
• Maths (grade 3/D)

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

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Presentation skills
• Logical
• Initiative
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Enthusiastic

Other requirements

• This is an outdoor role and will involve working in all weather conditions
• The estate is in a rural location, so transport is essential.
• Local accommodation may be available.
• The role is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness
• A flexible and adaptable approach is needed to support seasonal and varied tasks

About this employer

Brocklesby Estate is a large, historic rural estate based in North Lincolnshire, managing a diverse portfolio of agricultural land, forestry, and residential and commercial property. The estate operates modern and sustainable farming practices alongside environmental conservation and land stewardship.

In addition to its land-based activities, Brocklesby Estate supports local enterprise through property lettings and its farm shop, promoting locally sourced produce. With a strong focus on sustainability, heritage, and community engagement, the estate provides a dynamic working environment across a range of rural industries.

Brocklesby Estate offers the opportunity to work within a beautiful, traditional setting with a modern approach to horticulture and land management. You’ll be supported by experienced industry professionals with a broad range of knowledge, creating a strong learning environment, with the opportunity to learn from the ground up.
We pride ourselves on our welcoming, family-like atmosphere where hard work and commitment are recognised. Set within stunning surroundings, this is a place where you truly get out what you put in, with real opportunities to grow and develop your skills.

Company benefits

• Holiday pay and sick pay entitlement
• Local accommodation may be available
• Strong work-life balance ethos
• Work within a unique and historic estate setting

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the Level 2 apprenticeship, there will be the opportunity to progress onto a Level 3 qualification to further develop skills and knowledge. The role also offers the potential for full-time employment, supporting long-term career development within Brocklesby Estate.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

Jade Bishop

apprenticeshipenquiries@bishopburton.ac.uk

01964553056

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000024213.

Apply now

Closes in 11 days (Friday 24 April 2026 at 11:59pm)