Apprentice Gardener (Stage 1) (Full Time) (Temporary) - REN12571

Renfrewshire Council; Paisley; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Renfrewshire Council is seeking an apprentice in Horticulture/Arbor, based at the Underwood Road Depot, working across various locations. Ideal candidates will be 16-19 years old, possess essential skills, and have a genuine interest in horticulture. This is an opportunity to gain qualifications while securing a 3-year apprenticeship with potential for permanent employment.

Qualifications

• Must be 16-19 years old, a resident or employee of Renfrewshire.
• Desirable experience in similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Attend college and work towards achieving the Scottish Vocational Qualification.
• Work across all Renfrewshire Council locations including parks and open spaces.

Skills

Knowledge of horticulture tasks

Effective interpersonal skills

Numeracy skills

Communication skills

Initiative

Education

Minimum of 3 National 4 passes at grade 4 or above

Tools

Knowledge of horticulture tools

Job description

Advert

Renfrewshire Council are seeking to recruit an apprentice in Horticulture/Arbor.

Successful applicants will be based at our Underwood Road Depot and will work across all Renfrewshire Council locations including parks, playing fields, high maintenance and open space areas.

You will attend college and work towards achievement of the Scottish Vocational Qualification in Horticulture.

Applicants must be a resident of the Renfrewshire area or a current employee and preferably aged between 16 and 19 years.

It is essential that you possess a minimum of 3 National 4 passes at grade 4 or above (OR equivalent comparable qualifications OR recent relevant work experience). It is desirable that two of the National 4 passes are English and Maths.

It is essential that you can demonstrate knowledge to carry out a range of tasks relevant to the apprenticeship, have a genuine interest in the horticulture industry, can both work as part of a team and on your work own, can show initiative and have effective interpersonal, numeracy and communication skills.

It is desirable for you to have experience of working in similar environment and have knowledge of the horticulture environment and use of appropriate tools. It is also desirable for you to have a knowledge of Renfrewshire Council and have a full and current driving license.

Applicants who meet the essential criteria and who are short listed will be invited to attend an interview.

Successful applicants will secure a 3-year fixed term contract for the duration of the apprenticeship with positive opportunities for permanent employment with Renfrewshire Council.

If this is, you then please apply for our successful Modern Apprenticeship Programme. These posts are due to commence in August 2025.

Renfrewshire Council offer competitive salaries which are based on a percentage of the time served groundpersons salary with six monthly increments throughout the apprenticeship.

If successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure Scotland check, the level of check will be determined by the duties of the post. If you would like further information in relation to Disclosure Scotland checks, please visit www.disclosurescotland.co.uk .

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief or sexual orientation or age.

We would particularly invite applications from those priority groups who are under-represented across our apprenticeship programme. This includes young women, care experienced, those with a disability (including a learning disability) and those from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.

If you meet the recruitment criteria and are confident you have a commitment to attend college and gain the relevant SCQF Level 5 + 6 qualifications within your industry, apply now at https://renfrewshire.myjobscotland.gov.uk.