Horticulture Apprentice

ST HUGH'S SCHOOL (CARSWELL) TRUST LTD

FARINGDON (SN7 8PT)

Closes in 28 days (Friday 19 June 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 22 May 2026

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Summary

We are looking for a talented individual to join the Estates Team as a Horticulture Apprentice.This is a varied role which includes training in horticulture,grounds maintenance,care of sports pitches and woodlands.You must have initiative, enjoy working outdoors in all weather and communicate well with visitors,pupils and staff.

• Wage:

  £18,751 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  25 days holiday,plus additional time during Christmas holiday.

• Training course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.00am to 4.00pm, with one hour for lunch. Lunch is provided during term time.

  40 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 17 August 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 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

Above all else, to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

As a member of the grounds and maintenance staff, you will be asked to undertake the following duties as directed by and under the supervision of the Estates Manager.

Grounds Maintenance:

• Operate and maintain estates plant and machinery
• Grass and weed cutting
• Soil management
• Drainage and irrigation
• Specialist sports pitch preparation and maintenance e.g cricket wickets
• Pitch furniture maintenance, erection and removal
• Estates buildings’ maintenance
• Ornamental garden maintenance
• Woodland management
• Path and driveway maintenance
• Perimeter wall/fence maintenance
• Pest control
• Weed control

General:

• Comply with School health and safety regulations
• Assist in site security processes e.g. lock up
• Adhere to appropriate risk assessments and procedures
• Apply principles of COSHH
• Ensure personal protective equipment is used as required

Where you'll work

CARSWELL MANOR
CARSWELL
FARINGDON
SN7 8PT

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

More training information

You will start at Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture.

For the right candidate you will then progress to:

Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture.

You will study at Abingdon and Witney College Campus in Abingdon and Common Leys campus, Witney to incorporate the following:

• Horticulture Principles and Practice course.
• Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid course.
• Level 2 PA1 Pesticides course (theory).
• Level 2 PA6 Pesticides course (practical).

Further on the job training opportunities will also be available to you.

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. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths & English (grade A*- C / 4 - 9)

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
• Team working
• Initiative
• Physical fitness

Other requirements

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and all appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (including a check against the Children’s Barred List), and other pre-employment screening including a check on the Secretary of State list of prohibited staff.

Rural location - On the A420 Swindon/Oxford Bus route near to Faringdon. Own transport preferred.  Please ensure you are able to get to work, and also to Abingdon and Witney Campus.

The vacancy will involve working outdoors in all weathers. 

There will be a one-day work trial prior to formal offer of employment.

The Site Manager welcomes an informal chat and site visit for serious applicants.

Personal competencies and qualities:

Essential:

• Have high levels of physical fitness required for the demands of the role
• Robust / weather proof
• Love of the outdoors
• High levels of energy and resilience, seeing tasks through to completion
• A high level of personal presentation

Desirable:

• Good organisational skills
• The flexibility to work additional hours/days if required
• Gardening experience
• Mechanical experience
• Driving licence

About this employer

St Hugh's is a highly regarded coeducational day and boarding school. We are situated on a beautiful green campus of 65 acres in the South Oxfordshire countryside, only 25 minutes from Central Oxford. 

In June 2025, the Headmaster and Governors announced that St Hugh’s would be opening a Senior School in September 2026.  It is a very exciting time to be joining St Hugh’s.

https://www.st-hughs.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• Company pension scheme
• Free meals during term time
• Onsite gym
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Uniform will be provided

After this apprenticeship

There is likely to be a permanent role for the right candidate, on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

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 VAC2000033128.

Apply now

Closes in 28 days (Friday 19 June 2026 at 11:59pm)