Apprentice Gardener Spruce Up Your Garden

We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our team, as an apprentice gardener working across Oxfordshire. We undertake all aspects of garden maintenance and landscaping. The main duties will include, mowing, weeding, hedge cutting, clearing up and undertaking lawn maintenance programs.

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Closing date: 19 May 2024

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £14,000.00

    .

  • Working week

    Standard day 8-4pm, summer is typically busier than winter, so hours may be increased. (Shifts TBC)

    Total hours per week: 40.0

  • Expected duration

    18 Months

  • Possible start date

    25 May 2024

  • Date posted

    08 Mar 2024

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000236530

  • Positions

    1 available

What you will do in your working day

We offer a range of garden services across Oxfordshire providing best horticultural practice advice and service. 

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic motivated person to join our team. 

This role will involve being outdoors in all weathers and would suit someone with a passion for the outdoors and the enviroment. 

It is a great opportunity for someone to learn how to prune train and trim the spaces around them.

Duties will include, but aren't limited to: 

  • Tree and shrub planting and pruning (fruit or flower) 
  • Lawn care, mowing, scarifying and hollow tining
  • Hedge cutting and shaping
  • Maintenance of herbaceous and mixed borders
  • Tennis court and large hard standing area maintenance
  • Identification and control of pests and diseases 
  • Composting and mulching 


You will be using a wide selection of different tools (some powered and some handheld). You will also be meeting and talking to clients so being polite and well-mannered is also an important part of the role. 

The training you will be getting

Duration:

  • 15 months practical training period, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment


Delivery model:

  • 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
  • 1 day college attendance to complete Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid course
  • 2 days college attendance to complete Level 2 PA1 Pesticides course (theory)
  • 2 days college attendance to complete L2 PA6 Pesticides course (practical)
  • Level 1 Functional Skills in Maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required)
  • Off the job training will count for at least 6 hours a week of an apprentice’s time at work


Qualifications included:

  • Level 1 Functional Skills in English and maths
  • Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid
  • Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides
  • Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment
  • Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship

End Point Assessment:

  • Knowledge test
  • Practical assessment
  • Professional discussion

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

  • This post has excellent prospects with the righ person potentially being offered a permanent post on successful completion of the apprenticeship

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Attention to detail, Customer care skills, Team working, Non judgemental, Patience, Physical fitness

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade A*-C 9/4) Desired
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade A*-C 9/4) Desired

Things to consider

This role is an all weather role. Please apply as soon as possible for this role. Should the right candidate be found prior to the closing date, then the vacancy may be closed early. Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session Any new person applying for apprenticeship roles where Abingdon and Witney College deliver the training will be required to attend an Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session at Witney or Abingdon campus. This will consist of a series of initial assessments (required prior to any apprenticeship offer), completion of essential paperwork, the opportunity to find out more about the apprenticeship process, the training included, and a forum for your questions. As a new Apprenticeship applicant you will only have to undergo this process once. If you would like to talk to us about the assessments or if you would need any extra support to attend the Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session please call us on 01235 216216. Qualification checks By applying for this vacancy you are giving Abingdon and Witney College permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. We make every effort to ensure that applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds or those who may not have the formal GCSE entry requirements can access apprenticeships where possible. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for Apprentices is £6.40 per hour from April 2024 but many employers pay more than this. This applies to 16 - 18 year old apprentices and those aged 19 and over during the first year of their apprenticeship. After this, the National Minimum wage appropriate to their age applies. The Wage for apprentices applies to both time spent on the job plus time spent training.

About the employer

We are a small garden maintenance company working across Oxfordshire in high end domestic gardens.

Employer

Spruce Up Your Garden

Address

18 HILLIAT FIELDS

DRAYTON

ABINGDON

OX14 4JQ

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Training

Training provider

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Contact

apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

01235216216

Apprenticeship standard

Horticulture or landscape construction operative

Level 2 (GCSE)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications

Before you apply

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