Horticulture Apprentice Gardener

Introduction

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic apprentice to join our garden landscape maintenance team, working across a number of private gardens in Hampshire. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to develop their skills in horticulture.

About the Employer

Founded in 2007 by Alan Sargent, the former Head Gardener of the Broadlands Estate, we are a family-run, growing and dynamic company specializing in garden creation, maintenance, and landscaping. Our close-knit team thrives on collaboration and enjoys working together on both day-to-day garden maintenance and exciting one-off projects. We believe that everyone brings unique strengths to the table, and we love learning from each other and drawing on the diverse experiences within our team. Our relationships with skilled garden designers also enhance the work we do, allowing us to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

What You'll Do

As an apprentice, you will work alongside experienced professionals, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to various gardening and landscaping projects. You will work in a small team, being mentored by our team leads.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in routine landscape maintenance tasks, including mowing, trimming, pruning, planting, watering, and fertilising.
• Support the installation and upkeep of irrigation systems and hardscape features.
• Operate and maintain landscaping equipment under supervision.
• Ensure the cleanliness and safety of work areas, removing debris and adhering to safety protocols.
• Collaborate with team members to execute landscaping projects efficiently.

What will you learn during your time with us?

• Border maintenance, including weeding, mulching, plant division, pruning, and staking. How to maintain beautiful, well-kept, and weed-free garden borders, ensuring they remain at peak quality throughout the seasons.
• Specialist pruning tasks, including wisteria, roses, and orchards.
• Proper planting techniques and implementation of garden designs.
• Topiary pruning, vegetable cultivation, greenhouses, cut flower gardens.
• How to identify and manage pest and disease issues across planting and trees.
• How to prune and stake herbaceous borders to maintain healthy growth.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Demonstrates a keen eye for detail and a commitment to high-quality workmanship.
• Eagerness to learn, adapt, and apply new skills in a dynamic environment.
• Possesses a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Physically fit and capable of performing manual labour in various weather conditions.
• A basic understanding of horticulture or landscaping is advantageous but not essential.

 

 

 

 

Training Outcome

A permanent position may be offered upon successful completion of this apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship provides a structured pathway to develop a career in landscape maintenance, offering hands-on experience and mentorship from seasoned professionals. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow within the organisation and contribute to the enhancement of our clients' outdoor spaces.

 

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Customer care skills
• Number skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• An interest in outdoor working
• An interest in horticulture

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - C (4) or above
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - C(4) or above
• Essential - Driving - License - Full

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: Mon - Fri - 7am - 3pm 1hr paid lunch.

Expected Duration: 2 Years 3 Months

Training Provider: SPARSHOLT COLLEGE