Landscape Construction Apprentice - Horticulture level 2

Worcestershire County Council; Ledbury; Remote; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On‑site training

Career progression opportunities

Award-winning employer

Job summary

Wards Gardens is offering a Landscape Construction Apprentice position in Ledbury. You will learn on the job while working on residential landscaping projects, with training provided to gain Level 2 qualifications. The program starts in January 2027 and lasts two years, with potential wage progression after the first year.

Hours are 7.45am–4.00pm, Monday to Friday. This role provides hands-on experience, structured training, and the opportunity to develop a long-term career with an award‑winning

Qualifications

• GCSEs in Maths and English or equivalent are welcome entry qualifications.
• Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction operative training is provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist with site preparation and groundworks.
• Learn to install patios, paving, pathways and steps.
• Support construction of fencing, decking and garden features.
• Assist planting, turfing and soft landscaping works.
• Safely use landscaping tools and equipment, and maintain a tidy site.
• Follow health and safety procedures at all times.

Skills

Logical

Physical fitness

Teamwork

Education

GCSEs or equivalent

Level 2 in Horticulture or Landscape Construction operative

Job description

WARDS GARDENS LTD

Ledbury (HR8 1SA)

Closes in 27 days (Monday 30 November 2026)

Join Wards Gardens as a Landscape Construction Apprentice and learn a skilled trade while working on high-quality residential landscaping projects. Gain hands‑on experience, industry‑recognised training and the opportunity to build a long‑term career with an award‑winning landscaping company.

Wage: £15,600 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Hours: 7.45am– 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, including a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date: Monday 11 January 2027

Duration: 2 years

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

What you'll do at work

As a Landscape Construction Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced landscapers to create exceptional outdoor spaces for our clients across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting with site preparation and groundworks
• Learning how to install patios, paving, pathways and steps
• Supporting the construction of fencing, decking and garden features
• Assisting with planting, turfing and soft landscaping works
• Safely using landscaping tools and equipment
• Helping to maintain a tidy, organised and safe worksite
• Learning to interpret plans and drawings
• Travelling with the team to project sites
• Following health and safety procedures at all times
• Developing teamwork, communication and customer service skills

Training will be provided throughout the apprenticeship, combining practical experience with formal learning.

Where you'll work

Unit 5, Churches Farm
Ledbury
HR8 1SA

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

CENTRAL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

Training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

• (Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
• (Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
• (Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
• (Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
• (Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.
• (Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
• (Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
• (Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
• (Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
• (Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
• (Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
• (Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
• (Core) Install turf for situation.
• (Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
• (Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
• (Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.
• (Landscape construction) Measure and set out an uncomplicated site in preparation for landscape construction activities.
• (Landscape construction) Use free hand cutting and or bench cutting of hard landscape materials using abrasive wheels.
• (Landscape construction) Repair constructed landscape features (simple and noncomplex) for example re-grouting, re-sanding, damaged fencing.
• (Landscape construction) Construct paved feature for example path, patio or shed base. Including setting levels, sub bases, laying bases, finishing.
• (Landscape construction) Construct vertical landscape features including fences, ornamental vertical features, and walls.
• (Landscape construction) Install drainage in landscaping.
• (Landscape construction) Construct horizontal landscape features (excluding paving).
• (Horticulture) Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil.
• (Horticulture) Provide aftercare to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use.
• (Horticulture) Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics.
• (Horticulture) Maintain soft landscapes for example - staking or support, division, seasonal clearance, and re-planting.
• (Horticulture) Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens, and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents).
• (Horticulture) Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs).
• (Horticulture) Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form).
• (Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
• (Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
• (Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
• (Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
• (Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.
• (Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
• (Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
• (Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
• (Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
• (Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
• (Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
• (Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
• (Core) Install turf for situation.
• (Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
• (Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
• (Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.
• Level 2 Horticulture
• Functional Skills if required

Requirements

GCSE in:

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Logical
• Physical fitness

Other requirements

This is a physically active outdoor role in all weather conditions. Early starts are required to travel to sites with the team. Sites are located throughout Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. The role involves manual handling and working with tools and machinery. Safety, professionalism and attention to detail are essential.

About this employer

Wards Gardens is an award-winning landscaping company creating high-quality gardens and outdoor spaces across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties. We specialise in transforming residential landscapes, combining skilled craftsmanship, attention to detail and exceptional customer service to deliver beautiful gardens that stand the test of time.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship could lead to a permanent position within Wards Gardens as a Landscape Operative, with opportunities to progress into senior landscaping and site leadership roles. We are committed to developing talented individuals who want to build a long‑term career in the landscaping industry.

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CENTRAL YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

[e-mail]

020 3994 9544

The reference code for this apprenticeship isVAC2000060770.