Garden Apprentice

ASVA; Scotland; Remote; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Trust for Scotland’s Kellie Castle and Garden is seeking a Garden Apprentice to gain hands-on experience in conservation, horticulture, and visitor services. The role supports care of landscapes, welcomes visitors, and engages with local communities.

You will study for a Modern Apprenticeship (SVQ in Horticulture within Parks and Gardens, SCQF Level 6) with Rural Skills Scotland, and work under the Head Gardener for 18 months with mentoring and practical training.

Qualifications

• Interest in horticulture and sustainable gardens.
• Enthusiasm for learning through hands-on training and mentoring.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Promoting and supporting organic garden management principles.
• Assisting with fruit and vegetable production for sale.
• Assisting with general gardening duties and estate maintenance.
• Delivering excellent visitor experiences, including guided walks and events.
• Promoting the National Trust for Scotland and its membership benefits.
• Maintaining high standards of site presentation and personal appearance.
• Working safely and using PPE as required.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Education

SVQ in Horticulture (SCQF Level 6)

Job description

Organisation: The National Trust for Scotland

Location: Kellie Castle and Garden, Anstruther, Pittenweem, Fife, KY10 2RF

JOB PURPOSE

The Garden team plays a vital role in delivering the National Trust for Scotland’s mission by contributing to nature conservation, visitor experience, learning, and community engagement. This work supports both the strategic objectives of individual properties and the wider goals of the organization, helping to protect and promote Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Garden Apprentice position offers a valuable opportunity for a young person to gain hands-on experience, training, and professional development in a dynamic conservation and visitor services environment. Working alongside experienced colleagues, the apprentice will support the care and presentation of our landscapes, engage with visitors and local communities, and contribute to the protection and enjoyment of special places.

Through meaningful public engagement, excellent customer service, and commitment to high standards, the Garden Apprentice will help create memorable experiences for visitors. As part of the site team at Kellie Castle and Garden (East Fife Team), the apprentice will also support income generation and contribute to the long‑term sustainability of the Trust’s work.

The Apprentice will also study for a Modern Apprenticeship (SVQ in Horticulture within Parks and Gardens and greenspaces at SCQF Level 6) with Rural Skills Scotland.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

You will take direction from the Head Gardener, with the Garden team providing day -to-day supervision. You will also work alongside other property staff. The apprenticeship will be run in partnership with Rural Skills Scotland, who will support the successful candidate through their SVQ undertaking regular observations to allow the apprentice to meet the necessary evidence requirements. The apprenticeship is for a fixed period of 18 months during which the successful candidate will be mentored and undertake relevant vocational training.

You will provide a consistently high standard of work and customer care at all times:

• Promoting and supporting the organic management principles within the gardens


• Assisting with the production of fruit and vegetables for sale.


• Assisting with all general gardening duties


• Maintenance of the of the estate


• Providing an excellent visitor experiences including delivery of guided walks, events and educational activities, answering visitors’ queries about the property and gardens


• Promoting the National Trust for Scotland and the benefits of Trust membership


• Always maintain excellent standards of site and personal presentation


• Ensuring work is undertaken in a safe and appropriate manner, wearing correct uniform, name badges, or PPE as required