Landscaping Apprentice
TWYCROSS ZOO EAST MIDLANDS ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY LTD
ATHERSTONE (CV9 3PX)
Closes in 17 days (Monday 13 July 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 26 June 2026
Contents
Summary
Join our team as a Landscaping Operative Apprentice supporting
the development of our new land within a conservation zoo and
the opening of the Global Conservation Centre in 2027. You’ll learn
specialist horticultural skills, focusing on native planting, and
landscape maintenance.
- Wage
-
£22,568 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
31 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with
service
• Life assurance
• Company sick pay from day one of absence, after 6 months
service
• Access to discount platform - Training course
- Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
- Hours
-
8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 10 August 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
A typical week will involve working outdoors across the zoo and new conservation areas, supporting new developments and existing landscapes. Tasks will vary seasonally and offer hands-on experience in a unique environment.
- Assisting with planting schemes, including sourcing and establishing native species linked to the new land and habitats
- Supporting the creation and maintenance of themed landscapes within the zoo and Global Conservation Centre
- Carrying out general grounds maintenance such as weeding, pruning, mulching and grass care
- Working with the wider estates/zoo team to prepare new land areas for development and planting
- Learning safe use of landscaping tools, machinery and horticultural techniques
- Identification of plant, tree and shrub species
- Contributing to the overall presentation and conservation-focused design of visitor spaces
Where you'll work
BURTON ROAD
TWYCROSS
ATHERSTONE
CV9 3PX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DCG
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
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 3/D or above or equivalent)
- Maths (grade 3/D or above or equivalent)
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
- Presentation skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
- The role is primarily outdoors and will involve working in all weather conditions
- The role is physically active and may involve lifting, digging and manual handling
- Early starts or occasional weekend work may be required to support operational needs
- Working in a live zoo environment, adherence to safety procedures is essential
- A genuine interest in conservation, sustainability and working in a unique visitor environment is important
About this employer
We are a leading UK zoo and conservation charity located in
Warwickshire, employing approximately 150–180 staff across a
wide range of specialist roles. Our work focuses on wildlife
conservation, education and creating engaging visitor experiences.
The Zoo is currently developing a new Global Conservation Centre
alongside expanded habitat areas representing regions across the
world. These projects focus on authentic, conservation led design,
including native and climate appropriate planting schemes.
The successful apprentice will work within our estates and
horticulture team, supporting both the maintenance of established
grounds and the creation of new, immersive landscapes in a
dynamic, outdoor environment.
https://twycrosszoo.org/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- Staff membership card giving you free entry to the zoo on your days off
- Complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family
- Free parking
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
On successful completion, the apprentice may progress into a full-time Landscaping Operative or Horticultural role within the zoo or wider estates team.
There may also be opportunities to specialise in areas such as habitat planting, conservation landscaping, or progress onto higher-level horticulture or land-based apprenticeships.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DCG
Ali Harrison
ali.harrison@derby-college.ac.uk
01332 387420
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000038376.
Apply now
Closes in 17 days (Monday 13 July 2026 at 11:59pm)