Apprentice Gardener

Radley College

Abingdon (OX14 2HR)

Closes in 14 days (Tuesday 18 August 2026)

Posted on 4 August 2026

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Contents

Summary

Radley College is a leading independent boys’ boarding school set in 800 acres of grounds. We take great pride in the grounds and gardens across site and have a fantastic opportunity for an Apprentice Gardener to join the team.

Wage

£18,000 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salaries are usually reviewed on 1 September each year.

 

Training course
Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Thursday 07.30am to 4.00 pm Friday 07.30am to 3.00 pm half hour unpaid lunch breaks each day.

39 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 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

 You will be energetic and hard-working. Drive and passion for gardening are key for this role. If you have a keen eye for detail and would like to know more, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Undertaking general day to day duties, dependent on the weather and work schedule, including:

  • Prepping, tending, planting, pruning beds and borders, trees, plants and shrubs.
  • Lawn mowing.
  • Hedge cutting.
  • Leaf blowing and collection.
  • Soft landscaping.
  • Weed control and litter removal.
  • Help maintain the general cleanliness and tidiness of campus.

Where you'll work

Radley College
Radley
Abingdon
OX14 2HR

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

Horticulture Operative Level 2

  • Level 1 Functional Skills in English and Maths
  • Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid
  • Level 2 PA1 Pesticides
  • Work-based training with your employer
  • Approximately 12 on-site assessment visits per year
  • 14 days college attendance to complete Horticulture Principles and Practice course
  • 2 days college attendance to complete Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid course
  • 2 days college attendance to complete Level 2 PA1 Pesticides course
  • Level 1 Functional Skills in maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required)

Requirements

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
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

The Apprenticeship will involve working outdoors all year round and in all weather

About this employer

Radley College is a leading independent boys’ boarding school set in 800 acres of grounds. We have a fantastic opportunity for an Apprentice to join the College.

http://www.radley.org.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Eligibility to join our stakeholder pension scheme with a maximum contribution from the College of 10%.
  • Eligibility for the Group Life Assurance Scheme (minimum pension contribution required).
  • Employee assistance programme.
  • Discounted membership of the Sports Centre.
  • Discounted rate for golf membership.
  • Free parking
  • Uniform provided
  • Free meals during term time

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

There is the possibility of a full-time position at the end of the apprenticeship 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Radley College

Human Resources

HR@radley.org.uk

01235 548518

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000046204.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Tuesday 18 August 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.