Apprentice Groundsperson

St Edmund's College; Albury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in England is looking for an enthusiastic Apprentice Groundsperson to join their grounds team. This role offers a unique opportunity to work outdoors while pursuing a Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship. Responsibilities include maintaining sports pitches and gardens, learning about grounds machinery, and assisting in landscaping tasks. Supported by experienced mentors, this position provides training in a beautiful working environment with access to various College facilities. No previous experience needed, just a genuine interest in grounds work.

Benefits

Structured apprenticeship training programme

Full support from experienced mentors

Access to College facilities

Qualifications

• Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• No previous experience is required—just enthusiasm and commitment.
• Holds or is willing to work towards a full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance and preparation of sports pitches and gardens.
• Learn to operate and maintain grounds machinery safely.
• Support planting, pruning, and seasonal landscaping tasks.

Skills

Positive attitude

Willingness to learn new skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Reliability

Job description

Overview

Apprentice Groundsperson

Contract Type: Apprenticeship. Full Time for a fixed period of employment with the possibility of a permanent position on completion of the apprenticeship. Salary: In line with National Minimum Wage.

Start your career in grounds maintenance at one of the UKs leading independent schools. St Edmunds College is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Apprentice Groundsperson to join our experienced Grounds team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to develop practical skills while contributing to the upkeep of our beautiful historic grounds and extensive sports facilities.

About the Role

As an Apprentice Groundsperson, you will assist in the day-to-day maintenance and preparation of the College's sports pitches, gardens, and outdoor areas. You will work alongside skilled grounds staff while studying towards a Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship. This will be a one-day release for study either on site via online learning with coursework or at an educational college off site.

Main duties

• Assisting with the preparation and maintenance of sports pitches (including rugby, football, cricket, and athletics)
• Helping with mowing, line marking, and general grounds presentation
• Learning to operate and maintain a range of grounds machinery safely
• Supporting planting, pruning, and seasonal landscaping tasks
• Ensuring all work is carried out to high standards of safety and presentation

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Has a positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills
• Works well as part of a team and takes pride in their work
• Has good attention to detail and reliability
• Holds (or is willing to work towards) a full UK driving licence (desirable but not essential)
• No previous experience is required—just enthusiasm, commitment, and a genuine interest in grounds or horticultural work

We Offer

• A structured apprenticeship training programme
• Full support from experienced mentors
• Opportunities to gain industry-recognised qualifications
• A beautiful and inspiring working environment within the College grounds
• Staff benefits and access to College facilities

Whilst not in a teaching role, as an Apprentice Groundsperson you will be working in a school and will have contact with children. As such, you will be in regulated activity and an enhanced DBS check (which includes children’s barred list information) will be required in advance of appointment. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. You will therefore be responsible for providing a safe environment in which children can learn.

If you would like to apply please complete an application by the closing date.

Closing date for applications when all forms must be received by HR is: Midday, Monday 5th January 2025

Interviews to take place: As soon as possible after the closing date

Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date, and we reserve the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made.

Note: This role is subject to suitable DBS checks and safeguarding requirements.