Gardener Apprentice - Brixham

Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship where we will support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to tackle climate change, protect historic sites and help people and nature thrive. You don't need experience for this role, just loads of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

As one of our Horticulture Apprentices, you'll be part of our horticulture teams, helping to look after one of our 224 Historic gardens, playing a vital role in delivering our conservation and climate change strategies, helping to undertake the regular tasks and horticultural maintenance, conservation, and care of the gardens to safeguard them for the future. On successful completion you will have a Horticulture or landscape construction operative / Skills England, taking your first steps towards a future career in gardening.

What it's like to work here

Our gardens are heritage sites, and homes to the most extensive plant collection in Europe, and our gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of plant collections and the gardens to increasing numbers of members and visitors. Our gardens are much loved and visited from far and wide by many and you'll be part of the team of professionals caring for all aspects of the heritage gardens in the portfolio. You will develop skills in practical gardening techniques, health and safety awareness, plant and site maintenance, teamwork and problem-solving.

You will be based at Coleton Fishacre, with work across Greenway and Overbecks in the South Devon Property Group. These gardens offer contrasting challenges: Coleton's 1920s Arts and Crafts design with dramatic coastal planting, Greenway's woodland garden overlooking the Dart, and Overbecks' sheltered microclimate supporting rare subtropicals. Tasks include propagation, seasonal maintenance, plant recording, and conservation work unique to each site. The role also supports visitor engagement, helping share these distinctive gardens with the public.

What you'll be doing

Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills & knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard Horticulture or landscape construction operative / Skills England. Your training will be delivered via a combination of mandatory 5-day college blocks and online learning, with all college expenses and travel paid. There will also be opportunities to travel to other National Trust locations with some overnight stays to expand your learning and experience. You'll also be able to join other training events and learn from industry colleagues internally and externally. You'll attend regular review meetings with your training provider and be accountable for your own progression.

We would love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:

A minimum of 2 GCSEs including English and maths at grade E/2, Functional Skills Level 1 or equivalent

(If you hold an EHCP, Entry Level 3 in English and maths is acceptable.)

Aged 16 or over and have completed Year 11

Not in full time education

Have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the past three consecutive years

Not currently on any other training or education programme (e.g. another apprenticeship or a degree)

Able to travel to the work location

If you are aged 18 or under at the point of enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you may be enrolled on functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship.

If you have a qualification in the same or a related subject or have lots of relevant work experience this will mean you are not eligible for the apprenticeship

Once you've checked you're eligible, please use your application to tell us how you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Ready to start your apprenticeship - no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm

Positive, curious and up for learning - motivated, open minded and keen to grow

Confident to speak and happy to listen - you help people feel heard and included

A great team player - flexible, supportive and comfortable adapting when needed

Able to follow instructions and stay safe - especially when using tools and equipment (we'll teach you everything you need to know)

Focused on giving great service - you care about helping others and doing a good job

Friendly and respectful - especially when working with volunteers and the wider community

The National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever.

The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world.

Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust's members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement.

The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.

The package

The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)

Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

Flexible working whenever possible

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places