Horticulture Apprentice - Nr Romsey

The National Trust; Romsey; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Join The National Trust as a Horticulture Apprentice, where you will help maintain historic gardens while gaining valuable skills in horticulture. This apprenticeship offers comprehensive training, including college blocks, and the chance to work with a dedicated team focused on conservation and climate strategies.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme (up to 10% of salary)

Free entry to National Trust properties for you and a guest

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 program

Free parking at most Trust locations

Qualifications

• Age 16 or over, with Year 11 completed.
• Not in full-time education or training elsewhere.
• Right to work in the UK and has been resident for three consecutive years.

Responsibilities

• Care for historic gardens and contribute to conservation efforts.
• Complete mandatory e-learning and training.
• Work alongside experienced gardeners to gain hands-on experience.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Willingness to learn

Education

Minimum of 2 GCSEs including English and maths at grade E/2 or equivalent

Job description

Horticulture Apprentice - Nr Romsey

Summary

Join our National Trust apprenticeship program, where we'll support and develop you to contribute to our efforts in protecting historic sites, addressing climate change, and fostering the growth of people and nature. No prior 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 playing a key role in implementing our conservation and climate strategies. Your tasks will include horticultural maintenance, conservation, and garden care to ensure their preservation for the future.

This role can lead to positions such as Assistant Gardener or Gardener, and with additional experience, you may pursue a Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship.

For more information about our apprenticeship program, 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 collections. Our gardeners are responsible for conserving and developing these collections and gardens, serving increasing visitors and members. You'll be part of a team caring for these cherished heritage gardens.

Your training will include mandatory 5-day college blocks and online learning, with all expenses paid. Opportunities for travel to other National Trust locations and participation in industry training events will be provided to enhance your learning experience.

Our garden, a 40-acre riverside site, is renowned for its ancient trees, chalk streams, lawns, rose collection, winter garden, and parterre. We host two National Plant Collections of Rosa and Platanus, attracting over 360,000 visitors annually. You'll work alongside our team of 8 gardeners, gaining hands-on experience in garden maintenance and renovation.

What you'll be doing

Working with your mentor, you'll develop skills aligned with the horticulture apprenticeship standard (Level 2). You'll prepare for regular review meetings with your training provider and complete mandatory e-learning, courses, and training.

Who we're looking for

We welcome applicants who meet the following criteria by the start date:

• A minimum of 2 GCSEs, including English and maths at grade E/2 or equivalent (functional skills level 1). If you have an EHCP, entry level 3 in English and maths is acceptable.
• Age 16 or over, with Year 11 completed.
• Not in full-time education or training elsewhere.
• Right to work in the UK and has been resident for three consecutive years.
• Not enrolled in another training or education program.
• Able to travel to the work location.

If you're aged 18 or under and haven't achieved grade C/4 in English and maths, you'll be enrolled in functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship, which is optional for those over 19 but encouraged.

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

The package

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. Our benefits include:

• Substantial pension scheme (up to 10% of salary)
• Free entry to National Trust properties for you and a guest with 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 program
• Free parking at most Trust locations

Click here to learn more about our employee benefits.