Apprentice Gardner

Summary

We are actively seeking an Apprentice Gardener to join our grounds team and assist in the maintenance and ongoing improvement of the hotels gardens and grounds to include the terrace, pond and hedging.

Annual wage: £25,158 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Hours: X 40 hours per week X 1 day at college (paid for as part of the 40 hours) Monday to Friday start time varies depending on time of year – i.e in the winter is different than the summer due to the time it gets light outside. Generally 8am – 4.30pm.
40 hours a week
Possible start date: Tuesday 1 October
Duration: 2 Years
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

The gardener will be responsible for…

Maintaining the tractors, chainsaws, lawn mowers, blowers and all garden equipment to ensure they are in perfect working order. Cutting and maintain the lawns (feeding etc) to ensure a perfect lawn for our guests. General tree maintenance (i.e. feathering/disease) and production of logs for fires. Ensuring the grounds are well maintained to meet the guest’s expectations. Areas are kept manicured and that the grass is mowed and maintained. All beds and borders must be kept weed free and planted out with bedding plants. Responsible for the safe keeping of the drive in winter conditions to ensure safety at all times. To assist in the safekeeping and tidiness of all public areas, including the drives and footpaths.

Where you’ll work

London Road

Sunninghill

Ascot

SL5 0PP

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

ACTIVATE LEARNING

Your training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

(Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).

(Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.

(Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.

(Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.

(Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.

(Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.

(Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.

(Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.

(Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).

(Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).

(Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.

(Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.

(Core) Install turf for situation.

(Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.

(Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.

(Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.

(Landscape construction) Measure and set out an uncomplicated site in preparation for landscape construction activities.

(Landscape construction) Use free hand cutting and or bench cutting of hard landscape materials using abrasive wheels.

(Landscape construction) Repair constructed landscape features (simple and noncomplex) for example re-grouting, re-sanding, damaged fencing.

(Landscape construction) Construct paved feature for example path, patio or shed base. Including setting levels, sub bases, laying bases, finishing.

(Landscape construction) Construct vertical landscape features including fences, ornamental vertical features, and walls.

(Landscape construction) Install drainage in landscaping.

(Landscape construction) Construct horizontal landscape features (excluding paving).

(Horticulture) Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil.

(Horticulture) Provide aftercare to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use.

(Horticulture) Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics.

(Horticulture) Maintain soft landscapes for example - staking or support, division, seasonal clearance, and re-planting.

(Horticulture) Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens, and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents).

(Horticulture) Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs).

(Horticulture) Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form).