Trainee Garden Centre & Sales Assistant

JobStart Scheme; Larne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A recognized training and development organization in Larne is seeking a Garden Centre & Sales Assistant. The role involves assisting customers, merchandising products, and caring for plants. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a qualification in horticulture. Training will be provided, and applicants must be flexible with working hours, as the position involves weekends during the summer.

Qualifications

• Must be flexible with working hours to suit business needs.
• Ability to build rapport with trainees.

Responsibilities

• Pricing, displaying, and merchandising products.
• Assisting customers with purchases.
• Ensuring high-quality control standards are maintained.

Skills

Ability to follow and understand verbal and written instructions

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Ability to work on own initiative

Education

Qualification or previous experience in horticulture

Production/Manufacturing experience

Experience working with individuals with learning disabilities

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel)

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: ACCESS EMPLOYMENT LTDAEL provides 5 training and development programmes for individuals, aged 15 and over with and without additional needs and health related conditions, supporting them to reach their full potential.We are currently looking for a Garden Centre & Sales Assistant. As an integral part of the team, you will work in all areas of the Centre. The successful candidate should have level of fitness that would enable them to lift heavy items required in this role.. Experience in retail is desirable to the role as is good customer service, however, full training will be provided where necessary. We close weekends in Winter months but you must be prepared to work weekends and bank holidays during the summer months.

Responsibilities

• Pricing, displaying & merchandising a variety of products.
• Replenishing stock.
• Assisting customers with their purchases.
• Till operation.
• Quality customer service.
• Load and unload deliveries & loading of compost and heavy goods into customers’ cars.
• Take care of plants including: weeding, watering, feeding, monitoring health and quality and pruning, shaping and spacing them out.
• Pot seedlings.
• To undertake personal development as is reasonably required to assist with the effective delivery of your job.
• Be able to listen to and follow instructions given by line managers, to make sure work tasks are completed properly, as instructed on time and in a cost-effective manner.
• To ensure minimal product rework or rejection and ensure high quality control standards are maintained.
• Deal with any day-to-day problems in the work area as they happen and seek help from line managers, if needed.
• To ensure that the work areas and equipment are well maintained at all times conducive to a safe and productive work environment.
• Ability to cover for colleagues during absences.
• Any other relevant duties commensurate with the role and responsibilities of the post as required by Management.
• Assist in providing direct, in work support and share in the day to work with trainees in accordance with delivery expectations.
• Demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviour to assist trainees to learn the correct workplace etiquette and procedures.
• Supervise trainees and volunteers as required.
• Maintain a good standard of working practice, setting example to others and maintaining good working relations with the senior management team, staff, trainees, suppliers, customers, partners and stakeholders.
• Represent the ethos and values of AEL to the outside world, acting as a role model and mentor to other staff, volunteers, trainees and clients.
• Comply with all AEL’s policies and procedures.
• Uphold confidentiality at all times regarding AEL’s trainees and business activities.

Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to follow and understand verbal and written work instructions as per requirements of the role.
• Ability to perform basic numeracy tasks in order to perform the duties of the role.
• Good communication skills and able to work as part of a team.
• Good time management.
• Able to work using own initiative.
• Must be fully flexible with working hours to suit the needs of the business.
• Ability to build rapport and adapt to trainees needs.
• Qualification or previous experience in horticulture.
• Production/Manufacturing experience.
• Experience of working within a social firm.
• Experience and good knowledge of I.T and database systems including: ability to use MS Office (Word, Excel), internet and email.
• Knowledge and experience of working with individuals with learning disability and the barriers they face.
• Awareness of current Safeguarding legislation.

Further Information

The Employer is: ACCESS EMPLOYMENT LTDJobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information- Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week.- Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.- Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Vacancy ID 1747408 Job Sector Retailing, Wholesaling and Purchasing,Environmental, Health and Safety Area Co Antrim Location Larne Salary 16-17 £7.55, 18-20 £10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour. No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 25 Published date 24/11/2025 Closing date 02/01/2026 Worktime Monday to Saturday, hours to be confirmed.