Horticulture Operative Apprentice
CHARLES HOARE LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN SERVICES LIMITED
Kidlington (OX5 3JN)
Closes on Friday 12 June 2026
Posted on 8 May 2026
Contents
Summary
This apprenticeship with Charles Hoare Landscaping & Gardening Service offers a great opportunity to start a career in horticulture within a luxury landscaping environment. The company designs and builds high-end gardens across Oxfordshire, working closely with clients and designers to create bespoke outdoor spaces.
- Wage
-
£22,000 a year
- Training course
- Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 3 August 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 3 months
- Positions available
-
2
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
- Assist with the planting, pruning, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and flowers
- Support the installation and upkeep of high-end landscape designs
- Learn turf management including lawn preparation, seeding, and mowing
- Help maintain tools, machinery, and equipment in good working order
- Follow health & safety guidelines at all times
- Assist with site preparation, including soil conditioning and groundworks
- Work as part of a team to deliver projects to a high standard
- Provide excellent service and professionalism on client sites
Where you'll work
Kirtlington Park House
Kirtlington Park, Kirtlington
Kidlington
OX5 3JN
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ABINGDON AND WITNEY 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
Delivery model:
- Work-based training with your employer
- Approximately 12 on-site assessment visits per year
- Regular meetings with your training coordinator to monitor progress and well-being
- 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)
- Apprentices will need to complete a minimum of 557 hours of off-the-job training during their
apprenticeship
Qualifications included:
- Level 1 Functional Skills in English and Maths (if required)
- 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
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE 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
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
Please apply as soon as possible for this role. Should the right candidate be found prior to the closing date, then the vacancy may be closed early.
Apprenticeship Onboarding Session and Eligibility Checks:
Any new person applying for apprenticeship roles where Abingdon & Witney College deliver the training will be required to complete some eligibility checks. This will consist of a series of initial assessments and an interview with the team. There will be the opportunity to find out more about the apprenticeship process, the training included, and for any questions you might have. You may also be required to attend an Apprenticeship Onboarding Session at Witney, Abingdon or Bicester campus.
This will consist of a series of initial assessments (required prior to any apprenticeship offer), completion of essential paperwork, the opportunity to find out more about the apprenticeship process, the training included, and a forum for your questions.
As a new Apprenticeship applicant, you will only have to undergo this process once. If you would like to talk to us about the assessments or if you would need any extra support to attend the Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session, please call us on 01235 216216.
Qualification checks:
By applying for this vacancy, you are giving Abingdon and Witney College permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. 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.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for Apprentices is £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This applies to 16 - 18 year old apprentices and those aged 19 and over during the first year of their apprenticeship. After this, the National Minimum wage appropriate to their age applies. The Wage for apprentices applies to both time spent on the job plus time spent training.
About this employer
Charles Hoare Landscaping & Gardening Service specialises in the creation, development, and construction of luxury gardens, delivering bespoke outdoor spaces tailored to each client’s vision. Led by Director Charles Hoare, who brings over 25 years of industry experience, the company combines expert craftsmanship with a deep understanding of horticulture and landscape design.
Working closely with private clients, garden designers, and project partners across Oxfordshire, the team is committed to producing exceptional results that balance aesthetic appeal with long-term sustainability. From initial concept through to completion, Charles Hoare Landscaping & Gardening Service takes pride in its attention to detail, high standards of workmanship, and dedication to creating refined, elegant outdoor environments.
This apprenticeship with Charles Hoare Landscaping & Gardening Service offers a great opportunity to start a career in horticulture within a luxury landscaping environment. The company designs and builds high-end gardens across Oxfordshire, working closely with clients and designers to create bespoke outdoor spaces.
Led by Director Charles Hoare, who has over 25 years of experience, the team is known for its high standards, attention to detail, and quality workmanship.
As an Apprentice Horticulture Operative, you will gain hands-on experience supporting the installation and maintenance of premium landscapes. Day-to-day tasks will include planting, pruning, lawn care, site preparation, and assisting with general garden upkeep. You will learn how to work to the high standards required for luxury projects while developing practical skills in horticulture and landscaping.
This role is ideal for someone with a genuine interest in gardening and outdoor work, who is motivated to learn and willing to work in all weather conditions. You will be supported through a structured apprenticeship programme, combining on-the-job training with formal learning, and guided by experienced professionals.
The apprenticeship is designed to build strong foundations in plant knowledge, horticultural techniques, and teamwork, with opportunities for progression within the company upon successful completion. Reliability, a positive attitude, and pride in producing high-quality work are essential.
This is a unique chance to develop your skills, gain industry experience, and contribute to the creation of exceptional outdoor spaces.
After this apprenticeship
- Hands-on experience working on luxury landscaping projects
- Structured training and career development
- Supportive and skilled team environment
- Opportunity to build a long-term career in horticulture
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
Mike
apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
01235216216
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000030731.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 12 June 2026