Apprentice Horticulturist (CDC)

Doncaster City Council; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days holiday

Local government pension scheme

Staff discounts and benefits

Job summary

City of Doncaster Council is offering an Apprentice Horticulturist (CDC) position based at North Bridge Depot in Doncaster. The role is a 24‑month fixed‑term apprenticeship with full‑time hours (37 per week) and an initial wage of £8.00 per hour (£15,434.27 per annum from 1 April 2026).

You will train alongside experienced staff, gain first‑hand practical horticulture experience, and attend Askham Bryan College York for block-release tuition.

Qualifications

• No experience required, just a desire to succeed.
• Must be 16 or older and have left school at the start of the course.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers and be a real team player.

Responsibilities

• Gain practical and theoretical knowledge of horticulture.
• Learn to use relevant grounds maintenance machinery.
• Support horticultural teams to keep Doncaster clean, green and safe.
• Complete 24‑month training and prepare for End Point Assessment.

Skills

Team player

Willingness to work outdoors

Physical endurance

Education

Askham Bryan College attendance

Tools

Grounds maintenance machinery

Job description

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credit_card Salary £8.00 per hour/ £15,434.27 per annum from 1st April 2026) for more information see advert details.

work_outline Basis Full time

Job profile for Apprentice Horticulturist (CDC)

Apprentice Horticulturist (CDC)

North Bridge Depot 20/09/2026 Apprentice Horticulturist (CDC)

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary £8.00 per hour/ £15,434.27 per annum from 1st April 2026) for more information see advert details. Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Region Doncaster Job category/type Countryside/Conservation Date posted 09/09/2026 Job reference REQ23764 Attachments

attachment Job Role Summary Apprentice 2026.docx attachment Front Line and Support Apprentice - job profile.docx attachment Benefits booklet.docx

Job description

Based at: North Bridge Depot, Doncaster
Salary details: £8.00 per hour/ £15,434.27 per annum from 1 st April 2026, for all ages in their first year of the apprenticeship. The National Minimum Wage as appropriate to age is then paid for the remainder of the apprenticeship contract following completion of the first year. For more information on the rates of pay click on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Contract Type: Temporary fixed term for 24 months, t o commence in October
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Closing date: 20th September 2026
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation which puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. You have an opportunity to be part of this in the role of Apprentice Horticulturist. If you are looking for an apprenticeship where you can make a difference to a vibrant city in Yorkshire, City of Doncaster Council have the perfect apprenticeship for you. We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join one of our Horticultural teams to help ensure that Doncaster is a clean, green and safe place for everyone from our residents to visitors. If you have a passion for the environment and enjoy working outdoors as an active member of a team, we want to hear from you. This apprenticeship aims to provide a basic understanding of the practical and theoretical elements of horticulture alongside being trained to use the relevant machinery. It is a 24-month program where you earn an hourly wage working for City of Doncaster Council, with college attendance in block release - one week every eight weeks - at Askham Bryan Colleges York campus. As an Apprentice Horticulturist you will gain certification in first aid, the use and maintenance numerous grounds maintenance machinery, plant and shrub identification and spraying certificates. On successful completion of the training period, you will move through End Point Assessment Gateway and be in a position to undertake the assessments required in order to achieve an industry recognised qualification Level 2 Horticulturist Apprenticeship. Whilst at work, you will learn from experienced staff in the workplace and participate in a wide range of grounds maintenance operations. The work at times, is physically demanding and takes place outdoors in all weather.

About You
You must be 16 or older and have left school at the start of the course. No experience is required, just a desire to succeed. You will need to take pride in your work and be a real team player. You will need to enjoy working outdoors in all weathers. Candidates should be aware that this can be a very physically demanding role.
You will be expected to attend college at Askham Bryan College, York for block release tuition. We will pay for accommodation at college as required but a daily bus also runs from Doncaster bus station to the college.

About Us
Here at Doncaster, we know that for you to make a difference to our residents, you need to be part of a positive culture where you are given every chance to succeed.
We believe that having a good work/life balance is crucial, so we offer all of our employees 29 days holiday, a local government pension scheme, and many other discounts and benefits.
As well as ensuring you have what you need to perform your role, well provide full uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE). We will provide you with a thorough training programme so that you are comfortable in your role and can perform to the best of your abilities and will support you through the relevant qualification Level 2 Horticultural Apprenticeship.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
YOU MUST contact Askham Bryan College before finalising your application for an Apprentice Arborist position. We cannot employ you if you do not have an offer of a place by the college.
We value a range of experiences and skills. If you have transferable skills from other roles or voluntary work, we encourage you to apply.

In return for your contribution, we offer:

• Competitive leave entitlement
• Generous local government pension scheme
• Wellbeing support and staff networks
• Development and training opportunities
• Staff discounts and benefits schemes
• More information on benefits can be found in the attached benefits booklet.

Please review the job summary and profile and demonstrate in your application how you meet the required criteria.
Shortlisting: week commencing 21st September 2026.
Interviews: week commencing 28 th September 2026.

For further information, please contact Paul Earl on [e-mail]

The Advance Employment Team offers personalised support to help you take your next step into work. From building your CV and getting the right interview skills to accessing a wide range of free courses, the team will help you grow your skills and confidence and find a job you’ll enjoy. Get in touch by email ([e-mail] ) or visit the Advance website (www.advancedoncaster.co.uk ) to discover the support available.

City of Doncaster Council is committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and improving quality of life for all. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults.

We are a Disability Confident employer and committed to a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and make reasonable adjustments as required.

Confirmation of appointment will be subject to a medical assessment.

Address
Civic Office
Waterdale
Doncaster
DN1 3BU