Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship Level 2

HARINGTON GARDENERS

LONDON (N6 5EH)

Closes in 11 days (Wednesday 3 September 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 19 August 2025


Summary

Join Harington Gardeners, a charity-driven social enterprise where we maintain beautiful outdoor spaces while supporting young people with learning differences to thrive. As an Apprentice Horticulture Operative, you’ll work alongside experienced gardeners, and learn real, hands-on skills that make a difference every day.

Wage

£11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

In line with National Apprentice Minimum wage.

Training course
Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Hours
Variable working pattern of 2 different shifts/teams - staff informed in advance: Start Time: 8.00am or 9.00am Finish Time: 4.30pm or 5.30pm One day per week at Capel Manor

30 hours a week

Start date

Monday 15 September 2025

Duration

1 year 3 months

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

  •    Supporting and working alongside young people with learning       difficulties in a commercial garden maintenance setting
  •    Lawn mowing and edging
  •    Weeding flower beds and borders
  •    Planting flowers, shrubs, and small trees
  •    Pruning and trimming hedges and shrubs
  •    Watering and general plant care
  •    Sweeping and tidying outdoor areas
  •    Loading and unloading tools and equipment
  •    Using hand tools and basic horticultural machinery
  •    (under supervision)
  •     Assisting with the upkeep and maintenance of the Harington   
  •     Gardeners main site       
  •     Assisting with minor administrative duties
  •     Following health and safety procedures
  •     Reporting hazards, issues, or feedback to supervisors
  •     Keeping tools and equipment clean and in good condition
  •     Completing apprenticeship coursework and training tasks
  •     Representing the charity professionally at client sites

Where you'll work

55A CHOLMELEY PARK
LONDON
N6 5EH

Training

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

Training provider

CAPEL MANOR 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 or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard:

  • Training at Capel Manor will take place every Thursday on campus
  • On the job training will be alongside experienced gardeners
  • We operate mainly in the North London area

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (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
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness
  • Interest in Horticulture
  • Willingness to learn
  • Empathy
  • Positive attitude
  • Reliable

Other requirements

Please note that this position is physically demanding and will involve lifting and carrying heavy tools, materials, and equipment on a regular basis. The role is also based outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year, so you will need to be prepared to work in varying environments, including rain, cold, and heat, while always maintaining a safe and professional approach.

About this employer

Harington Gardeners is the commercial arm of the Harington charity, based in Highgate, North London. We provide high-quality gardening and grounds maintenance services across residential, commercial, and community spaces. What makes us unique is our dual mission: while delivering professional horticultural services, we also create inclusive training and employment opportunities for young people with learning disabilities and other barriers to work. Our garden teams include experienced horticulturists, support staff, and trainees who work together on real-life projects. Through this model, we offer young people the chance to gain practical skills, build confidence, and move towards meaningful employment — all while maintaining beautiful green spaces across North London.

https://www.harington.org.uk/gardeners (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Opportunity to pursue recognised qualifications. Confidential employee assistance programme. Cycle to Work Scheme. Fully paid for DBS. Contributory pension scheme.

Disability Confident

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

This apprenticeship is designed to give you a strong foundation in horticulture, with hands-on experience, accredited training, and support from experienced professionals.

On successful completion of the Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Operative Apprenticeship, you will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue a range of opportunities within the horticultural sector.

Possible next steps may include:

  • Progression to a permanent Gardener or Grounds Maintenance Operative role
  • Advancement to a Team Leader or Support Gardener position (supporting trainees with learning difficulties)
  • Further training through a Level 3 Apprenticeship or specialist horticultural qualifications
  • Opportunities within landscaping, nursery work, parks and estates, or environmental projects

We are committed to supporting your development throughout your apprenticeship and will work with you to explore future opportunities, whether within Harington Gardeners or beyond.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HARINGTON GARDENERS

Sam

gardeners@harington.org.uk

07505554447

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000337369.

Apply now

Closes in 11 days (Wednesday 3 September 2025 at 11:59pm)

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