Horticulture Apprentice (Environmental Services)

Summary

Be part of an outstanding council apprenticeship programme with a nationally recognised, Top 100 Apprentice Employer and Regionally awarded Apprentice Employer of the Year. Join us on a permanent contract, gain real experience and a recognised qualification, and progress your career within the council.

Wage

£24,796 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Starting Salary £24,796 during the apprenticeship,with a Local Living Wage Top Up to £25,985, with further progression upon appointment to the substantive officer role in line with the Council’s pay structure

Training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Hours

The apprentice will work within standard Council working hours, with the exact working pattern to be agreed at interview. Some flexibility may be required depending on service needs.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 17 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

The Horticulture Apprentice is a key role within the Councils
Street Care service which sits within the Environment and
Communities Directorate.

This apprentice role offers the opportunity to develop valuable
and varied experience within the Street Care team,
undertaking a full range of manual street cleansing and
grounds maintenance tasks. It is suited to individuals who
enjoy working outdoors and want to make a positive difference
to the local environment for residents and visitors.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the post
holder will progress to the substantive post of Street Care
Officer.

Notwithstanding the detail in this job description, the job
holder will undertake such work as may be determined by the
Manager from time to time, up to or at a level consistent with
the Principal Responsibilities of the job.

This role is fixed, meaning you will be fixed to a predetermined
operational depot location.

Apprenticeship typical duration expected to 24 months for this
Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship standard and 4
month duration to sit the End Point Assessment.

A full driving licence is required for this role, as the
apprenticeship leads to a Street Care Officer post where driving
forms part of the core duties.

With appropriate support and supervision, the Apprentice will…

To learn knowledge and experience in the delivery of various StreetCare services. To include grounds maintenance, grass cutting, weeding, edging, strimming, hedge maintenance, seasonal bedding maintenance and planting, manual and mechanical cleansing, sweeping, leaf clearance, bin emptying and litter collection.
Carry out the cleansing of public spaces to include litter picking, bin emptying, hand sweeping of detritus, leaf clearance, removal of weed growth from pavements and paths and assist in the removal of flytipping where directed.
Carry out general grounds maintenance works to include grass cutting, soft landscaping, fine turf care, maintenance of horticultural displays, chemical weed control, minor tree and hedge works and the marking out and maintenance of sports turf.
Operate and maintain to a basic standard a full range of powered hand tools and self propelled horticultural and cleansing plant and equipment.
To work in a safe manner and ensure the safe use of materials and equipment at all times. Ensure that Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Assessments, COSHH regulations and all other StreetCare guidance documents are followed to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
To use appropriate mobile communication and IT systems and to follow work instructions and schedules to ensure work is completed to the required standard and in a timely manner.
To drive a vehicle for the purpose of carrying out StreetCare operations, ensuring that vehicles and plant are clean and in good working order and that StreetCares driver code of conduct is followed at all times.
To identify and report defects or damage to StreetCare assets to StreetCare Chargehands or Service Delivery Coordinators and understand the wider ownership of assets within the authority.
To represent StreetCare in a manner conductive with the standards expected, including the carrying of an identity card and the wearing of the uniform supplied at all times. To communicate with our customers, management team and members of the public in a polite and professional manner placing the highest possible emphasis on customer care, engagement and feedback.
Carry out duties which require a basic standard of numeracy and literacy such as completing time sheets, claim forms, daily defect sheets and other statutory paperwork where required.

Where you'll work

This role is based at a designated depot within Cheshire West and Chester and is not remote.

We welcome applications from across England; however, candidates must be able to travel to or relocate within reasonable commuting distance of the workplace.

A full driving licence is required, as the apprenticeship leads to a Street Care Officer role where driving forms part of the core duties.

An excellent opportunity to start a career in local government.

Training

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

Training provider

GREY SEAL ACADEMY LIMITED

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

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation
At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying on employer sites or via Microsoft Teams
Delivery is to be discussed with the training provider and the hiring manager must suit operational needs

More training information

Training will be delivered through a blend of workplace learning and formal off‑the‑job training
Most training will take place at the apprentice’s normal place of work, with additional learning delivered by the training provider through online learning, workshops, or Microsoft Teams
Training will take place on a regular basis throughout the apprenticeship, with protected time during working hours to attend training sessions, complete learning activities, and prepare for assessments
The exact schedule will be agreed between the apprentice, line manager, and training provider as part of the individual training plan

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

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

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience

About this employer

Our work spans over 3,900 colleagues across hundreds of roles, professions and services, making us one of the most diverse and complex employers in the region. We are responsible for delivering a wide range of essential public services and strategic priorities that shape the places, communities and lives of our residents every single day.

From frontline delivery to professional, technical and corporate roles, our organisation brings together expertise from across disciplines to respond to the evolving needs of our borough — supporting people, strengthening communities and driving long-term change at scale.

https://www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Permanent apprenticeships from day one
We work closely and positively with our recognised trade unions (Unison, GMB and Unite) to make sure that the views of our colleagues are heard

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

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 of the apprenticeship, the post
holder will progress to the substantive post of Street Care
Officer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

GREY SEAL ACADEMY LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000039381.

Contents

Summary

Work

What you'll do at work

Where you'll work

Training

Training provider

Training course

What you'll learn

Training schedule

More training information

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

Skills

About this employer

Company benefits

Disability Confident

After this apprenticeship

Ask a question

Apply now

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Horticulture Apprentice (Environmental Services)

Contents

Summary

Work

What you'll do at work

Where you'll work

Training

Training provider

Training course

What you'll learn

Training schedule

More training information

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

Skills

About this employer

Company benefits

Disability Confident

After this apprenticeship

Ask a question

Apply now