Apprentice Gardener

Summary

The Apprentice Gardener will assist in maintaining the high standard of Hotham Hall’s gardens, lawns, and landscapes. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone passionate about horticulture. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the Head Gardener and gain invaluable experience across a range of gardening practices.

Annual wage

£12,480 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

We offer an annual bonus which, is dependent on the attendance and performance of the apprentice.

Training course

Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)

Hours

Working a 37.5 hour week. Hours from 8 am to 4 pm.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 6 January

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

Garden Maintenance: Assist in the upkeep of lawns, flower beds, hedges, and borders, ensuring the grounds are well-presented year-round
Plant Care: Learn to plant, prune, water, and fertilise plants, and develop an understanding of plant species, seasonal planting schedules, and pest management
Estate Grounds Support: Help in maintaining the estate’s pathways, garden structures, and terraces to preserve their Georgian character
Event Preparation: Assist with the preparation of outdoor areas for events, ensuring gardens are groomed and ready for weddings and functions
Tools & Equipment: Learn to safely use, maintain, and store garden tools and machinery
Team Collaboration: Work closely with other members of the gardening and events team to ensure seamless operations across the estate, as well as independent work

Where you’ll work

HOTHAM HALL

MAIN STREET

HOTHAM

YORK

YO43 4UA

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

BISHOP BURTON COLLEGE

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).
(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.

Your training plan

Comprehensive on-the-job training with guidance from experienced gardeners.

Weekly day release apprenticeship with Bishop Burton College
A unique opportunity to work in a beautifully restored Georgian estate
Involvement in high-profile events and weddings, contributing to a prestigious venue
Uniform provided
Potential for growth within Hotham Hall’s team upon successful completion of the apprenticeship

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths (grade 4)
Science (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Problem solving skills
Team working
Physical fitness

Other requirements

- Genuine interest in horticulture and landscape maintenance. - Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. - Attention to detail, especially in maintaining formal garden spaces. - Reliable and punctual, with a proactive approach to tasks. - A positive attitude, sense of humour and eagerness to learn are essential.

About this company

Hotham Hall is a stunning Georgian estate in East Yorkshire, surrounded by meticulously restored gardens and grounds. Following a three-year restoration, the estate now offers exclusive hire for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. As part of our commitment to maintaining the beauty and heritage of Hotham Hall, we are seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Gardener to join our dedicated team.

http://www.hothamhallestate.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

A permanent member of the Estate team with further training in forestry and estate qualifications and ongoing on-site horticultural training.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MR DAVID KILBURN & MRS LINDA KILBURN

Rachel Waugh

rachel.waugh@hothamhallestate.com

07717669466

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000287341.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Sunday 8 December at 11:59pm)

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