Apprentice Grounds Keeper

Hotham Hall Estate Partnership

YORK (YO43 4UA)

Closes in 24 days (Saturday 1 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 8 July 2026

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Summary

As a Horticulture Operative Apprentice, you will help maintain and
develop the gardens and grounds of Hotham Hall, a historic private estate now open to visitors. You will gain practical skills in grounds
maintenance, plant care, lawn management and estate upkeep while
working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

• Wage:

  £16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
• Hours: Working week will be discussed at interview.

  40 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

As a Horticulture Operative Apprentice, you will work alongside the
experienced grounds and gardens team to help maintain over 200 acres of historic estate grounds, including formal and private gardens, vegetable growing areas, parkland and agricultural land.
Duties will include:

• Maintaining lawns, borders, pathways and planted areas to a high
  standard
• Planting, pruning and caring for trees, shrubs, flowers and
  seasonal displays
• Assisting with the cultivation and maintenance of vegetable crops
  and productive growing areas
• Operating and maintaining horticultural tools, machinery and
  equipment safely
• Supporting landscape maintenance and conservation of the estate's historic features
• Assisting with weed, pest and disease control
• Carrying out grounds maintenance tasks across public and private
  areas of the estate
• Helping to maintain the presentation and appearance of the estate
  for visitors and events
• Following health and safety procedures and safe working practices at all times
• Developing knowledge of horticultural principles, biodiversity,
  sustainability and environmental good practice

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a diverse historic estate while helping to preserve the high standards of architecture, landscaping and grounds management that make Hotham Hall a special place to visit and enjoy.

Where you'll work

HOTHAM HALL
MAIN STREET
HOTHAM
YORK
YO43 4UA

Training

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

Training provider

BISHOP BURTON 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

Typical training delivery will consist of 1 day per week in college and 4 days per week in the workplace, though this may vary depending on the programme and employer requirements.

The training schedule and delivery plan will be discussed in more detail at interview to ensure suitability for both the learner and employer.

College-based training will take place at Bishop Burton College, York Road, Bishop Burton, Beverley, HU17 8QG.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 3/D)
• Maths (grade 3/D)

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
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Physical fitness

Other requirements

This is a practical, hands-on role that involves working outdoors throughout the year in all weather
conditions. The workload can vary depending on the season, with peak periods often requiring a
greater level of physical work to maintain the high standards expected across the estate's gardens,
grounds and visitor areas.
As Hotham Hall is open to the public, apprentices should be comfortable working in a visitor
environment and may occasionally be required to interact with guests, answer questions and provide a positive customer experience. The role involves manual labour, including lifting, carrying, bending
and prolonged periods of standing and walking across a large estate. A genuine interest in
horticulture, a willingness to work outdoors and a positive, professional attitude are essential.

About this employer

Hotham Hall offers a unique opportunity to work within the grounds of a historic country estate that is
entering an exciting new chapter. Once a private family home, the estate has expanded significantly
and is now welcoming visitors to enjoy its gardens, grounds and events throughout the year.
As part of the grounds team, you will play an important role in maintaining and developing over 200
acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, parkland and productive growing areas. This apprenticeship
provides the chance to learn from experienced professionals while gaining hands-on experience across
a diverse and historic estate. No two days are the same, offering a rewarding career where you can see
the direct impact of your work while helping preserve and enhance a special place for future
generations to enjoy.

https://hothamhallestate.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Will be discussed at interview 

• Statutory holiday entitlement plus Bank Holidays.
• Statutory Sick Pay.
• PPE and any required workwear provided.

 

After this apprenticeship

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

Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to a permanent full-time position within the grounds team.

Opportunities to progress onto a Level 3 horticulture apprenticeship or further specialist training can be discussed upon completion, depending on performance, business needs and individual
career aspirations.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

Jade Bishop

apprenticeshipenquiries@bishopburton.ac.uk

01964553056

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000040666.

Apply now

Closes in 24 days (Saturday 1 August 2026 at 11:59pm)