Apprentice Horticulturalist x2

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is recruiting two Apprentice Horticulturalists to join its dedicated and enthusiastic team. The team is responsible for the cultivation and maintenance of the plant collections at Oxford's historic University Botanic Garden. As an Apprentice, you will develop skills in cultivating a wide range of plants in both the garden and glasshouses.
Through training and direct hands-on experience, the Apprentice Horticulturist's main responsibilities and duties will include, developing skills in general maintenance of the area of the Botanic Garden to which they are assigned, working closely with the Horticultural Team to learn skills in cultivation of the plant collections, learning about safe use of machinery and ladders, answering enquiries from the public, attending botanical and horticultural training and attending staff meetings and staff events.
About the apprenticeship
As part of this role, you will undertake an Apprenticeship with Abingdon & Witney College, where you will complete a Level 2 Horticulture & Landscape Operative Apprenticeship which is within the Horticulture sector and you will gain a Level 2 qualification. College attendance and successful completion of these studies is an essential requirement of this Apprenticeship.
In total, it will take 2 years to complete all elements of the apprenticeship, with support from the Department, University and College throughout.
Becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and training. For more information, please visit: https://www.apprenticeships.ox.ac.uk

You will be able to demonstrate an aptitude and enthusiasm for plants and working in horticulture (for example through work experience, qualifications or references).
You will be educated to GCSE standard or equivalent including English and Maths.
You will have the ability to communicate clearly and accurately.
Experience of Microsoft applications including Word and Excel is also essential.

Botanic Garden: Rose Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AZ and Arboretum: Oxford Lodge, Peacock Gate, Oxford, OX44 9PX

Our apprentices are never on their own, you will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region.
We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual's unique contribution.
Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their Apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career.
You will receive 38 days' annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays and fixed closure dates, discounted travel, an excellent contributory pension scheme, and student discounts. You will also be part of the University's annual apprenticeship awards.