Apprentice Cemetery / Horticulture Technician

Introduction

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within Sandwell Council’s crematorium / cemeteries environment in a technical post where you will undertake duties associated with grave digging, gardening and grounds maintenance and other horticultural work. Would suit someone of a sympathetic disposition who can show empathy in sensitive situations.

About the Employer

Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. For more information about Sandwell Council’s apprenticeship programme and our recruitment process please visit our YouTube channel. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.

What You'll Do

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, as operating certain machinery in the crematoria requires specific licenses.

Job duties will include:

• Perform grave digging tasks and all relevant training
• Assist with horticultural duties, all aspects of grounds maintenance and grass cutting
• To help with general gardening duties such as maintenance of flower beds, shrub pruning, herbaceous borders and rose beds etc.
• Utilise associative plant / machinery and grass cutting machinery
• Assist with external cleaning duties - such as litter picking, sweeping, emptying of litter bins, etc.
• To help maintain the cleanliness of the crematorium, cemeteries and other open spaces
• To work flexibly and across the following: Sandwell Valley Crematorium, Rowley Regis Crematorium and Cemetery, Canalside Cemetery, Fallings Heath Cemetery, Heath Lane Cemetery, Oldbury Cemetery, Tipton Cemetery, Thimblemill Cemetery, Uplands Cemetery and Wood Green Cemetery

Training Outcome

This apprenticeship is a fixed term 24 month contract and at the end you will gain a Level 2 Horticulture Operative qualification. However, the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this apprenticeship will allow you to gain future opportunities in the sector.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Non judgemental
• Physical fitness
• Flexible attitude
• Able to prioritise
• Able to work outdoors
• Follow instructions
• Interest in Horticulture
• Good attendance record
• Show sympathy & empathy

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - A-C/9-4
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - A-C/9-4

Course Information

Course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Level: 2

Route: Agriculture, environmental and animal care

Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday - Friday. Shifts to vary between 7.00am and 6.00pm.

Expected Duration: 2 Years

Number of Positions Available: 2

Training Provider: HEREFORDSHIRE, LUDLOW, AND NORTH SHROPSHIRE COLLEGE