Trainee Grounds Maintenance Assistant (apprenticeship)

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham University in the North East of England invites applications for a Trainee Grounds Maintenance Assistant (development role). You will join Estates Operations to learn grounds and garden work, with on-site training and a formal NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture.

The role offers a clear two-year progression from Grade 1 to Grade 2, with a structured apprenticeship, and occasional evenings/weekends as required.

Qualifications

• Requires good physical fitness and ability to perform manual handling tasks.
• Willingness to learn and develop practical grounds maintenance skills.
• NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture to be gained through on-the-job training and college study.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform a range of grounds maintenance and gardening tasks.
• Support landscaping and improvement projects alongside experienced teams.
• Develop practical skills through a structured apprenticeship programme toward NVQ Level 2.
• Work across the university estate, with regular progress reviews under a development plan.

Skills

Manual handling

Physical fitness

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture

Job description

Job Title:Trainee Grounds Maintenance Assistant (development role)

Department:Estates and Facilities Directorate

Estates Operations

Grade:Grade 1

Salary range:£24,479

Working arrangements:Full-time (35 hours)

Permanent

Five days from seven (primarily Monday to Friday), including day release at College to study for NVQ level 2 in Amenity Horticulture

Development role progressing from Grade 1 to Grade 2, subject to completion of relevant apprenticeship/qualification and achieving the required standards on an agreed personal development plan

Maybe required to work evenings and weekends as business demands

Onsite working only

Role will require physical activities and manual handling, including lifting and transporting materials and stock.

Closing date: Wednesday 4th November 2026

The Role and Department

This role provides an excellent opportunity to begin a career in grounds maintenance and horticulture within one of the UK's leading universities. As a Trainee Grounds Maintenance Assistant, you will develop practical skills and experience while working alongside experienced professionals responsible for maintaining Durham University's stunning grounds, gardens and landscaped spaces. Combining hands-on work with a structured apprenticeship programme, you will gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to build a successful career in the sector. Throughout your development journey, you will receive training, guidance and support to help you grow in confidence and capability while making a valued contribution to the University's estate.

Working across the University's extensive and diverse estate, you will learn how to undertake a wide range of grounds and gardening activities, from routine maintenance and planting to supporting larger landscaping and improvement projects. You will work with the Grounds and Gardens and Botanic Garden teams, developing specialist skills through a combination of practical experience and formal study towards an NVQ Level 2 qualification in Amenity Horticulture. The qualification will form part of a development plan focusing on the requirements of the Grade 2 Grounds Maintenance Assistant role. This development role has been designed to provide a clear pathway to a Grounds Maintenance Assistant position, offering an exciting opportunity to earn, learn and develop your career in a supportive and professional environment, over a two-year period and progress will be regularly reviewed against agreed outputs in your development plan; however, it may be extended if the University considers it necessary.