Grounds Apprentice

Worthing Homes; Worthing; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare cash plan

Pension - employer match

29 days leave + BH

Retail and gym discounts

Cycle2Work Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Funded training

Paid Professional Subscription

Job summary

Worthing Homes in Worthing is seeking an Apprentice Grounds Operative to join the Grounds Team. You will learn pruning, grass cutting and general horticultural duties while working on residents' grounds. The role includes attending college one day per week to gain an NVQ level 2 in horticulture and completing related coursework.

DBS checks apply; 40 hours per week. We offer a healthcare cash plan, pension, generous annual leave, discounts, Cycle2Work and funded training with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Willing to learn horticultural skills and techniques.
• Interest in grounds maintenance and horticulture.
• Understanding of Health and Safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Grass cutting, shrub and border maintenance, hedge cutting.
• Leaf clearance, litter picking, gritting and general maintenance.
• Support team leader and meet daily/weekly targets.
• Attend college one day a week for NVQ level 2 horticulture.
• Study for NVQ exams and complete coursework.

Skills

Learn horticulture

Horticultural interest

Health & Safety

Customer care

Driving licence

Education

NVQ level 2 horticulture

Job description

Role: Apprentice Grounds Operative

Salary: From £16,640 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week (varied through summer and winter)

Location: Worthing

Are you looking to embark on a career in Grounds Maintenance?

Do you enjoy working as part of a high performing team?

If the answer is yes, then we are looking for you!

Worthing Homes is a forward-looking housing association dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality homes and services to our local communities. We're a small but dynamic organisation, managing 4,000 homes serving over 10,000 residents across our range of properties from social housing to sheltered accommodation to shared ownership properties.

We are currently looking for an Apprentice Grounds Operative to join our Grounds Team responsible for maintaining the appearance of our residents' properties.

The successful candidate will:

• Be willing to learn horticultural skills and techniques and be able to demonstrate competency in carrying out the pruning of shrubs and trees
• Have a keen interest in horticultural and grounds maintenance
• Have an understanding of Health and Safety.
• Demonstrate a hard-working attitude, with the ability to prioritise workload and effectively work to meet deadlines.
• Be committed to a high level of customer care.
• Have the ability to drive, or be working towards this, to operate ride-on mowers.

Main responsibilities:

• To undertake all duties within the Grounds Team, 4 days a week in accordance with the grounds work schedule, and ensure all areas are left clean and tidy after work is completed
• Undertake grass cutting, shrub and border maintenance, hedge cutting, leaf clearance, litter picking, gritting and other horticultural maintenance as directed
• Support the team leader and other colleagues in achieving daily and weekly targets
• Have a sound working knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, including safe working practices and use of appropriate protective clothes and safety gear (PPE)
• To attend college 1 day a week to gain NVQ level 2 horticulture qualification
• To study for all relevant exams and submit coursework as required for the NVQ qualification.

Why work for us?

At Worthing Homes we strive to create a supportive and inclusive work environment ensuring colleagues feel valued and respected. We promote a collaborative culture in which teamwork is highly valued, and we employ brilliant people to work with our customers to help support them to live their best lives.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• Healthcare cash plan
• Contributory pension scheme - company matches up to 6%
• A generous annual leave package of 29 days per year plus bank holidays
• Retail and gym discounts
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Funded training and qualifications
• Paid Professional Subscription (1 per year)

We are committed to investing in our colleague's development by offering a variety of opportunities for training, learning, and skills development, enabling everyone to reach their full potential and contribute to the success of Worthing Homes.

If you are passionate about delivering exceptional results in the housing sector and thrive in a dynamic, people-focused environment, we want to hear from you.

Closing date: 31st August 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is identified, therefore we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.

DBS Checks

This role is subject to a basic DBS check to support the safety of our vulnerable customers. Any unspent cautions or convictions disclosed will be reviewed carefully and fairly, with consideration given to their relevance, the time elapsed, and evidence of positive change.

We are a fair and inclusive organisation, and we value each individual's unique contribution, irrespective of race, ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or social background