Apprentice Grounds Maintenance Operative

Blaby District Council

Leicestershire (LE8 6HZ)

Closes on Friday 29 May 2026

Posted on 22 April 2026

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Summary

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Apprentice Parks & Open Spaces.
Operative to join our Parks and Open Spaces team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical, hands on experience while working towards a recognised qualification in Horticulture.

• Wage:

  £20,000 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
• Hours: 37 hours Monday to Friday (Monday- Thursday 7:30am- 3.30pm Friday 7.30am- 3.00pm)

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 2026

• Duration:

  2 years 6 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

You will help maintain and improve the districts parks and open spaces, ensuring they remain safe, clean, and welcoming for residents and visitors.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Assisting with grass cutting, pruning, and general grounds maintenance
• Operating machinery, plant and equipment (with training provided)
• Helping keep public spaces clean, safe, and attractive
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Learning safe working practices, including health & safety procedures
• Attending college or training provider sessions as part of the apprenticeship

What We’re Looking For

• A full driving licence is essential and access to your own vehicle
• A genuine interest in parks, outdoor work, and the environment
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team
• Positive attitude, communication skills and good work ethic
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills
• No previous experience required – full training will be provided

What We Offer

• A paid apprenticeship with a recognised qualification
• On-the-job training and support from experienced staff
• Opportunity to build a career in grounds maintenance
• Uniform and PPE provided
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Where you'll work

Unit 21
Enderby Road Industrial Estate
Whetstone
Leicestershire
LE8 6HZ

Training

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

Training provider

LOUGHBOROUGH 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

• Block release to Brooksby College
• Functional skills if necessary
• On-the-job training
• Off-the-job training

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 2)
• Maths (grade 2)

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
• Team working
• Physical fitness
• Work outside in all weathers
• Motivated
• Positive attitude

Other requirements

• The depot base is located in Whetstone Leicestershire
• Brooksby College is located in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
•  A full driving licence is essential and access to your own vehicle

About this employer

Blaby District Council is a local government authority responsible for delivering public services to residents. Services include Housing and benefits, Planning and building control, Environmental health and waste collection, Community safety, licensing, and leisure services. BDC employs over 300 staff across 2 sites, the main council offices
in Narborough & the Depot in Whetstone.

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

• Successfully completing this apprenticeship will earn you a Level 2 Horticulture qualification, opening the door to a fulfilling career in grounds maintenance, landscaping, and the growing environmental sector

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE

Apprenticeships Stephenson college

apprenticeships@loucoll.ac.uk

01530519001

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000027751.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 29 May 2026