Apprentice Gardener
Godolphin
Newmarket (CB8 9HE)
Closes in 19 days (Sunday 14 June 2026)
Posted on 26 May 2026
Contents
Summary
Godolphin are looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking individual who would like to contribute to our world-class operation within our exceptional gardening team. If you are passionate about working outdoors, please apply!
- Wage
-
£19,325 a year
- Training course
- Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday 07:30 - 16:30. (There may at times be weekend work required, in these cases, adequate notice will be given).
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 22 June 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
As part of the Stud Gardening team, you are responsible for general garden duties, under the supervision and direction of the Head Gardener as well as completion of relevant training assessments and study.
Key Responsibilities:
- Working with bedding plants and herbaceous plants
- General maintenance and upkeep of the grounds on the company’s estate
- Pruning shrubs, trees and hedges
- Lawn mowing and lawn maintenance
- Operating the sweeper to collect leaves when required
Where you'll work
The Main Office Dalham Hall Stud Duchess Drive
Newmarket
CB8 9HE
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SUFFOLK NEW 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/Landscape Operative Standard
- English and maths (if required) Level 2
- Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- Safe use of Pesticides Level 2
- Safe Application of Pesticide Using Handheld Equipment Level 2
More training information
Full training on the use of all equipment required to carry out role.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English or equivalent (grade C/4)
- Maths or equivalent (grade C/4)
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
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Self motivated
- Willingness to learn
- Passion for Gardening
Other requirements
You will be working on-site, outdoors amongst beautiful grounds with access to world-class facilities and resources in all weather conditions. A driving licence would be an advantage.
About this employer
Godolphin is the worlds largest thoroughbred and breeding operation, spanning across four continents and seven countries. Based in Newmarket we have 2 racing yards, 12 studs and our Main Office facilities.
https://www.godolphin.com/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- Private healthcare (including dental cover)
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Group income protection
- Discretionary Christmas bonus
- Free lunch in our on-site canteen
After this apprenticeship
Previous apprentices have had the opportunity to stay employed by Godolphin after their studies have finished (this is dependant business need and headcount considerations).
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
Terri Dodsworth
TDodsworth@godolphin.com
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033406.
Apply now
Closes in 19 days (Sunday 14 June 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.