Horticulture Apprentice - Haywards Heath

The National Trust; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization as a Horticulture Apprentice, where you will contribute to the care of historic gardens and gain valuable skills in horticulture. This apprenticeship offers training, support, and the opportunity for career progression, including potential roles as Assistant Gardener or Gardener.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust properties

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Discounts on gym memberships

Holiday entitlement up to 32 days

Flexible working arrangements

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most sites

Qualifications

• Age 16 or over, not in full-time education, and have completed Year 11.
• Right to work in the UK and have been resident for three consecutive years.

Responsibilities

• Regular horticultural maintenance, conservation, and care tasks.
• Work alongside a mentor on tasks specific to the apprenticeship.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Willingness to learn

Education

At least 2 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade E/2 or equivalent

Job description

Horticulture Apprentice - Haywards Heath

Summary

Join us on a National Trust apprenticeship, where we'll support and develop you to play an integral role in our efforts to protect historic sites, combat climate change, and promote the thriving of people and nature. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

As a Horticulture Apprentice, you'll be part of our horticulture teams, caring for our 224 historic gardens and contributing to our conservation and climate strategies. You'll undertake regular horticultural maintenance, conservation, and care tasks to preserve these gardens for future generations.

This role can lead to positions such as Assistant Gardener or Gardener, with potential progression to a Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship after gaining additional experience.

For more information about our apprenticeship programme, please click here: National Trust Jobs :: Apprenticeships.

What it's like to work here

Our gardens are heritage sites and home to Europe's most extensive plant collection. Our gardeners are responsible for conserving and developing these collections and gardens, attracting increasing visitors and members. You'll be part of a professional team caring for these heritage gardens.

Your training will include mandatory 5-day college blocks and online learning, with all expenses and travel covered. Opportunities to visit other Trust locations and participate in industry training events will also be provided.

You will primarily work at Nymans, which boasts one of the Trust's most significant plant collections, and periodically at Standen, known for its Arts and Crafts house and hillside garden features.

What you'll be doing

You will work alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, developing skills and knowledge relevant to the horticulture standard (Level 2). You will attend review meetings with your training provider, complete e-learning courses, and take responsibility for your progression.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you meet the following criteria by the start date:

• At least 2 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade E/2 or equivalent (or Entry Level 3 if you have an EHCP)
• Age 16 or over, not in full-time education, and have completed Year 11
• Right to work in the UK and have been resident for three consecutive years
• Not enrolled in other training or education programs
• Able to travel to the work location

If you are 18 or under and haven't achieved GCSE Grade C/4 in English and Maths, you will be enrolled in functional skills Level 2 as part of your apprenticeship. Support will be provided to complete these if you are 19 or over.

Having relevant qualifications or experience may affect government funding eligibility, which will be verified if your application progresses.

The package

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture. Our benefits include:

• Substantial pension scheme up to 10%
• Free entry to National Trust properties for you, a guest, and your children under 18
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Discounts on gym memberships, shopping, and cinema tickets
• Holiday entitlement up to 32 days plus holiday purchase scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most sites

Click here to learn more about our benefits designed to support you.