At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to learn about plant propagation, pest control, and quality assurance.
- Company: Bransford Webbs Plant Company is a top UK nursery supplying millions of plants annually.
- Benefits: Earn £12.21 per hour, enjoy overtime pay, and join our bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in horticulture while working in a vibrant, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs required; enthusiasm and physical fitness are essential.
- Other info: Potential for full-time role after apprenticeship completion.
An excellent opportunity for a keen and enthusiastic person to join our team of horticulturists and follow a career in commercial ornamental plant production. The Bransford Webbs Plant Company, situated between Worcester and Malvern, is one of the UK's leading nurseries, supplying approx. 2 million plants per year to Garden Centres across the UK.
We pay apprentices the National Living Wage - currently £12.21 per hour. Any overtime worked is paid at 1½ times this rate. Apprentices are automatically enrolled onto our company bonus scheme which is profit related and paid annually.
Training course: Crop technician (level 3)
Hours:
- Autumn/Winter: 8.00 – 16.30, Monday – Thursday; 8.00 – 15.30 on a Friday.
- Spring/Summer: 7.00 - 15.30, Monday – Thursday; 7.00 – 14.30 on a Friday.
39 hours a week
Duration: 2 years
Work: Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work: During the two years, the apprentice will gain experience in all areas of the nursery, including:
- Propagation, including seed sowing, taking cuttings, and division
- Potting (Machine)
- Feeding
- Irrigation
- Pest & Disease Control
- Quality Control
- Dispatch
Where you’ll work: BRANSFORD, WORCESTER, WR6 5JN
Training: Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills. On completion of the pesticides' foundation unit above also choose one of the following units:
- Boom sprayer, mounted, trailed or self-propelled equipment.
- Handheld applicator equipment.
- Level 3 award in Emergency First Aid at Work.
Apprentices aged 16-18 at the start of their apprenticeship and those without a Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE grade 4 or C or above) will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment. Those aged 19+ at the start of their apprenticeship and without Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE grade 4 or C or above) will have the option as to whether they would like to achieve this.
Learning is based at Pershore College.
Requirements: GCSE in: 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: Initiative, Physical fitness.
Other requirements: Position requires working in all seasons, and some tasks can be physically demanding.
About this company: The Bransford Webbs Plant Company is one of the leading growers of ornamental plants in the UK. We are a wholesale nursery based in Worcestershire, supplying new and innovative plant promotions to garden centres across the UK.
Potential of a full-time position upon successful completion of qualification and proven work commitment. However, this cannot be guaranteed.
The contact for this apprenticeship is: WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE, SARAH ASHMORE, sashmore@warwickshire.ac.uk, 07740419319
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000314712.
Apply now: Closes on Friday 13 June 2025. When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.
Horticultural Apprentice - Crop Technician/Production employer: Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership
Contact Detail:
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticultural Apprentice - Crop Technician/Production
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and techniques used at Bransford Webbs. Research their product range and any recent innovations in ornamental plant production to show your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your physical fitness and willingness to work in various weather conditions. You might want to mention any previous experience in outdoor or physically demanding roles, as this will highlight your suitability for the apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former apprentices from Bransford Webbs on social media platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions to ask during your interview that reflect your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the training opportunities available and how the apprenticeship can lead to a full-time position, showing your commitment to a long-term career in horticulture.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticultural Apprentice - Crop Technician/Production
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Horticultural Apprentice position. Highlight your enthusiasm for horticulture and any relevant experience you may have.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your skills and experiences that are relevant to the role. Include any previous work in horticulture, gardening, or related fields, and emphasise your physical fitness and initiative.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for plants and horticulture. Mention why you want to work at Bransford Webbs Plant Company and how you can contribute to their team. Be sure to express your eagerness to learn and grow in this apprenticeship.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in the horticultural industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for plants and horticulture during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects you've been involved in, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Discuss any relevant skills you possess, such as physical fitness, initiative, or previous experience with plants. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their team right from the start.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship and the company. This shows that you are engaged and eager to learn more about the role and the nursery's operations.
✨Demonstrate Willingness to Learn
Emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Mention your openness to training and development opportunities, as this aligns well with the apprenticeship's focus on hands-on experience and professional growth.