Lawns and Horticulture Apprentice

Who we are
Welcome to Ascot where tradition meets innovation and excitement is the heartbeat of our business.

We are a destination for over 500,000 guests each year where passion, elegance, and celebration converge and it is our team of behind-the-scenes heroes that bring every intricate detail to life.

As one of the world\’s leading racecourses, Ascot is renowned for its rich heritage spanning over 300 years. But we are not bound by the past; we\’re driven by the pursuit of excellence in everything we do.

From hosting our flagship event, Royal Ascot, to pioneering sustainable practices, we are committed to building a Global lifestyle brand, wrapped around the world class horse racing we run.

At Ascot we believe in preserving the beauty of our surroundings and minimising our ecological footprint. From eco-friendly initiatives to community engagement programs, we strive to make a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of those around us.

What we are looking for

We are currently seeking a Lawns and Horticulture Apprentice to join our Grounds team, based at the racecourse in Ascot, Berkshire.

Ascot Racecourse will enrol and fund the Level 2 Horticulture course. This programme will be delivered through a combination of practical hands-on and theory-based activities onsite and at the training provider\’s premises. It is likely to take 24 months to complete the programme.

What you’ll be doing

The Lawns and Horticulture Apprentice will work on all aspects garden maintenance and general lawn care to ensure the site is always maintained to the highest standard . You will also be required to assist with maintenance of plant stock in the on-site nursery. Full training will be provided on every aspect of the role.As part of your role you will be required to work racedays, including those that take place at weekends.

An apprenticeship programme will allow the apprentice to follow a programme of learning supported by our designated training provider. Ascot Racecourse will provide workplace training, activity and supervision to complete the requirements of the programme. Working internally or externally, you will work individually and/or as part of a team developing and maintaining the grounds of Ascot to an exacting standard expected by our guests.

Principal Responsibilities (in line with the apprenticeship programme)

• Work in a wide range of outdoor horticultural spaces including gardens, the grandstand, green spaces, and estates.
• Undertake practical operations required to create and maintain horticultural spaces. This includes all aspects related to plants and soil; potting, planting, weeding, pruning, deadheading, watering, fertilising, spraying, edging and any other associated tasks.
• Horticulture operatives frequently work outdoors year-round and in all weathers. Sometimes working at heights for example pruning taller plants and hedges. Horticulture will require qualifications and or training to undertake activities such as use of machinery.
• To operate machinery as required.
• Assist in the preparation of all racing surfaces and course renovation after racing as required.
• Assist with mowing of all grass areas.
• Assist with the maintenance of non-grass areas inside perimeter fencing.
• Assist with the maintenance of car park areas, including drainage systems.
• Assist with the cleaning of outdoor areas as and when required.
• Assist with the preparation of planting schemes.
• Assist with irrigation.
• Assist with seasonal lawn renovations.
• Assist with leaf clearance.
• Assist with setting up planting displays/schemes for racedays.
• To carry out general maintenance of machinery as required.
• Interpret information and instruction.
• Interact with supervisors, colleagues and guests.
• Follow work procedures to make effective use of resources, materials, and time.
• Plan and organise work (including materials and other resources).
• Setting out and prepare the work area safely.
• Identify hazards and risks in the workplace, health and safety documents and reporting incidents correctly.
• Develop tool skills (including hand and powered tools).
• Work safely using correct PPE.

Skills and experience you can bring

Entry Requirements for the apprenticeship

• Maths and English qualifications (Level 2 functional skills). Those who do not have these qualifications will be supported to achieve them alongside their apprenticeship.
• Ability to demonstrate personal responsibility towards their own and others safety in the workplace.
• A strong work ethic, motivated, reliable and adaptable.
• Effective communication in a team, with guests and with management.

Any experience in the following areas would be an advantage:

• Gardening or greenkeeping.
• Operation of relevant machinery.
• Hold or working towards a valid Full UK Driving Licence (or equivalent).

What you can expect from us

• A best-in-class welcome with a tailored induction and racecourse tour, as well as a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development.
• Access to a range of wellbeing support for yourself and your family including a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Healthcare support app with 24/7 virtual GP access.
• Opportunity to make an impact in our Volunteer week with a day out of the office to support local community and charity partners.
• End of year offices closed (extra 2 days annual leave added to your entitlement).
• Clothing and hat hire.
• Complimentary race day entry for friends and family.
• Exclusive discounts in local shops and cafes.
• Exclusive discounts from selected partner brands and suppliers.

And let’s not forget, invitations to our monthly social nights as well as annual parties and afternoon-teas to celebrate our most special occasions throughout the year.

What sets us apart from the rest
We take pride in our commitments to make a positive change for now and future generations to come, whether through our Diversity and Inclusion strategy and training programmes, our award-winning ‘Racing To Zero’ sustainability actions, or our forward-thinking employee benefits including flexible working and menopause policies, as well as health and EAP support access.

We are also proud of our community outreach which includes a volunteering week for all employees to spend time supporting local charities.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision
We are committed to ensuring guests from all backgrounds and communities feel welcome at the Racecourse and are working to ensure our internal teams are nurtured within a supportive and inclusive environment. Our mission is to eliminate discrimination and prejudice of any kind at our venue and throughout our business. By educating and implementing meaningful actions across all that we do, we can make certain that Ascot is a place for everyone to enjoy.

As an equal opportunities employer, Ascot Racecourse is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our company.

Closing Date
The closing date for this vacancy is Thursday 31 July 2025 . We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified.

For assistance with your application or should you require an alternative application format, please contact hr@ascot.com

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