Apprentice gardener

Skinner's Garden Services

DORKING (RH5 4QT)

Closes on Tuesday 1 September 2026

Posted on 28 May 2026

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Contents

Summary

Are you passionate about plants, the outdoors, and learning practical skills? We’re looking for a motivated Apprentice Gardener to join our team and develop hands-on experience in all aspects of gardening and grounds maintenance. 

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

We intended to pay above Apprentice Minimum Wage.  Discussed at interview 

Training course
Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Hours
Number of Hours: Average 8-hour days. This will change seasonally. Winter months will be shorter, and summer months slightly longer. Lunch break length: 30 minutes. Start Time: 8.30am. Finish Time: 5.30pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 1 October 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

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outside, takes pride in creating beautiful spaces, and wants to build a long-term career in horticulture.

We have a great reputation and a loyal customer base, and we are looking for someone who will also take pride in their work.

Experience is not essential but an interest in gardening and the outdoors would be an advantage. For the right candidate, we would provide in-depth on-the-job training plus competitive rates of pay. Our gardens always look beautiful, so you'd be learning from the experts.

  • Assisting with planting, pruning, weeding, and lawn care
  • Learning seasonal garden maintenance techniques
  • Helping maintain flower beds, borders, and landscaped areas
  • Using gardening tools and equipment safely
  • Supporting the team with general grounds keeping duties
  • Mowing lawns, hedge-cutting and pruning  

Where you'll work

SOUTHALL COTTAGE
HORSHAM ROAD
BEARE GREEN
DORKING
RH5 4QT

Training

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

Training provider

ACTIVATE LEARNING

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 (GCSE) Standard 
  • Typical duration: 24 months 
  • Dedicated Performance Coach
  • Functional Skills Maths and English
  • Day release at Merrist Wood

More training information

We are looking for someone with the following qualities:

  • Enthusiastic and eager to learn
  • Reliable, hardworking, and punctual
  • Enjoys physical outdoor work in all weather conditions
  • Interest in gardening and horticulture
  • Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team
  • No previous experience required — full training provided

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 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
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

The candidate must consider how they will reliably commute to either Beare Green or Dorking. 

This role will require apprentices to work outside all year round and in all weathers. In very wet or snowy weather it may not be possible to work. We are looking for someone with an interest in and passion for gardening and horticulture. Physically fit and willing to learn. You must be friendly and approachable with a pleasant demeanour. You will be client-facing the majority of the time, so this is very important. We also need someone reliable, trustworthy, punctual and hardworking. Working hours will vary with the seasons. 

About this employer

Established, family run garden maintenance company with over 20 years experience. Taking care of our loyal customers gardens in and around Dorking, Leatherhead, Bookham and the surrounding villages. We have a great reputation and relationships with our customers and always take pride in our work. 

https://www.facebook.com/Skinnersgardenservices?locale=en_GB (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

There will definitely be the opportunity for a full-time position once the apprenticeship is completed. With a wage increase to reflect the value we have for you and the acknowledgement of the work gone into your apprenticeship. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ACTIVATE LEARNING

Jenny Hyam

apprenticeships@activateapprenticeships.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033914.

Apply now

Closes on Tuesday 1 September 2026