Grounds Maintenance Apprentice

AMEY; Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental services provider in Manchester is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Apprentice to gain hands-on experience in tree maintenance, plant care, and waste management. Over a 28-month program, you will work closely with a team of experts while being supported in your learning. The role requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and to achieve specified qualifications in English and Maths. This opportunity promises career growth and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive annual salary

Career Growth opportunities

24 days leave plus bank holidays

Flexible benefits

Two Social Impact Days for volunteering

Qualifications

• Must achieve minimum of entry level 3 in Maths and English during initial assessment.
• Full UK Driving license required.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Assist in tree planting and maintenance.
• Engage in storm clearance and composting.
• Identify plants and understand biodiversity legislation.

Skills

Tree planting and young tree maintenance

Pesticide/Herbicide spraying

Maintain light plant and power tools

Education

Entry level 3 in Maths and English

Job description

Overview

We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Grounds Maintenance Apprentice to join our Trafford account based in Manchester.

Starting Salary : £23,940.00 (Subject to review)

Location : Amey Highways office, Tatton House, 11 Caldey Road, Manchester, M239LF

Working hours per week : Monday-Friday. 37.5hrs/week

Start date : April 2026

Apprenticeship Link : Horticulture or landscape construction operative / Skills England

As part of your Apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Horticulture Operative level 2 apprenticeship which will take approximately 28 months to complete. You will be fully supported by our partnered training provider to achieve this qualification, having 1-2-1 advice and support, e-learning materials, and a whole team of experts on hand for advice and technical knowledge at your office.

Join our vibrant, inclusive community in Trafford working on diverse projects that make a real positive impact across the UK.

Amey has been working in partnership with Trafford Council to deliver a wide range of Environmental and Infrastructure Services. Trafford currently ranks in the top 10 boroughs in England for recycling, with 61.3% of its waste recyclable. Our waste collection teams ensure waste is collected from 97,000 households as well as commercial businesses within the Trafford borough. Our street cleansing teams work hard to keep our streets looking great, emptying over 1,600 litter bins. Our grounds maintenance teams are responsible for managing and maintaining 37 parks and green spaces across the borough. By combining these services, we support the council with efficiency savings while delivering a high-quality service to residents. Every year we give our people the opportunity to step away from their day job, to support local good causes that make a real difference. All employees can spend two days a year out in the community.

What you will do

From day one you will be given real responsibility, gaining invaluable experience and exposure, working alongside our industry experts and across your team. As an apprentice you will be working alongside the team to deliver the following:

• Tree planting and young tree maintenance
• Storm clearance
• Operate and maintain light plant and power tools
• Pesticide/Herbicide spraying
• Propagation
• Composting/waste management
• Maintenance of ornamental grass
• Identification of plants incl. scientific names
• Biodiversity and invasive species legislation
• Establish and maintain soft landscape (perennial and annual)
• Carry out any other duties which may reasonably be expected/requested

What you will bring

• If you do not hold GCSE/functional skills qualifications, you must achieve a minimum of entry level 3 in Maths and English during initial assessment
• Full UK Driving license
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for consideration, due to the nature of the work associated with this account.

Please note that successful applicants will be required to undergo random drug and alcohol testing in line with our commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant working environment.

Please ensure you upload your certificates, predicted grades, or achieved qualifications with your application, as we will shortlist based on this information. Any offer of employment is conditional upon meeting the required academic criteria. If you experience any issues uploading documents, please contact our People Services team.

Why join Amey?

At Amey, we work on long-term stable contracts so you can plan a long-term career with us. We have been awarded Platinum status by Investors in People which underscores our commitment to supporting our people across every part of our organisation, enabling them to shine. Whether you are starting your career, returning to the workplace or can bring your professional expertise and skills, there is a place for you here.

Our benefits are designed to help you thrive at work and in your home life. You will have the flexibility to choose benefits and development opportunities that are best for you.

• Remuneration - Competitive annual salary with potential for yearly reviews to ensure you’re rewarded for your contributions
• Career Growth: Mentoring and a structured learning and development programme to enable professional and personal development
• Training Opportunities: Fully funded leadership programs tailored to your personal growth
• Holidays - 24 days leave plus bank holidays with the option to buy more
• Pension - Generous pension scheme with extra contributions from Amey
• Flexible working - Hybrid, part-time and flexible work patterns open for discussion
• Flexible benefits – Insurance benefits, Cycle2Work, discounted gym membership
• Exclusive Discounts - Access to discounts from leading retailers and services
• Give Back to community - Two Social Impact Days each year for volunteering and fundraising
• Family friendly policies for new parents or carers
• Affinity Networks membership to connect and support diverse communities within Amey

About Amey

We are a leading provider of full life-cycle engineering, operations, and decarbonisation solutions for transport infrastructure and complex facilities. Our purpose is to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that enhance life and protect our shared future. Every day our teams across the UK and internationally do important work shaping complex environments that impact generations to come. To find out more visit our website amey.co.uk/careers

Application Guidance and Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum requirements for the role. Please contact our recruitment team at [e-mail] to discuss any access needs or adjustments during the recruitment process.

Apply today

***We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible***