At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a small team to learn hands-on gardening skills and maintain beautiful estate gardens.
- Company: A welcoming estate offering a supportive environment for aspiring gardeners.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a structured apprenticeship and potential career growth.
- Other info: Start your journey in October 2026 and enjoy outdoor work in all weathers.
- Why this job: Turn your passion for horticulture into a rewarding career with practical training.
- Qualifications: GCSE Level 3 in Maths and English; enthusiasm for gardening is a must!
The predicted salary is between 8 - 8 £ per hour.
Are you passionate about gardening, horticulture and working outdoors? This is a great opportunity to join a small estate gardens team, gain practical hands-on training and work towards a recognised Level 2 equivalent qualification in horticulture.
Please note: You must be available to start an apprenticeship in October 2026 and be able to travel to Pershore College.
SALARY: £8.00 per hour
LOCATION: Based in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire (HR9), with attendance required at Pershore College, Avonbank (WR10)
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, 24-Month Apprenticeship (Starting October 2026)
WORKING HOURS: 39 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 7am to 3:30pm and Friday 7am to 2:30pm
JOB OVERVIEW
This is a rewarding opportunity for an Apprentice Gardener to develop practical gardening skills within established estate gardens while receiving structured college-based training. As an Apprentice Gardener you will work as part of a small team and gain experience across a wide range of horticultural activities, including:
- Propagation
- Pruning
- Renovating herbaceous beds
- General garden maintenance
- Pond and aquatic plant management
- The safe use of garden machinery
The Apprentice Gardener will also attend Pershore College on block release to achieve a Level 2 equivalent Work Based Diploma in Horticulture, with regular workplace visits from a Monitoring Officer and potential future career development opportunities following successful completion of the apprenticeship.
DUTIES
Your duties as the Apprentice Gardener include:
- Garden Maintenance: Support the day-to-day upkeep and presentation of established estate gardens
- Plant Propagation: Assist with propagation and practical plant care activities
- Pruning and Renovation: Help with pruning, species-specific pruning and renovating herbaceous beds
- Garden Planning: Contribute to the planning of new garden themes and planting ideas
- Machinery Training: Learn how to use garden machinery safely and appropriately
- Pond and Aquatic Plant Care: Support pond maintenance and aquatic plant management
- College Attendance: Attend Pershore College on block release as part of the apprenticeship programme
- Team Support: Work proactively with the gardens team while developing practical horticultural knowledge and confidence
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- Educated to GCSE Level 3 or equivalent in Maths and English
- Self-motivated with a good work ethic
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weathers
- Able to work proactively and without supervision where appropriate
- Conscientious, imaginative and passionate about horticulture
- Eager to learn and develop practical gardening skills
- Able to travel to Pershore College for block release training
- Able to start the apprenticeship in October
BENEFITS OF THE APPRENTICESHIP
- Structured 24-month apprenticeship
- Level 2 equivalent Work Based Diploma in Horticulture through Pershore College
- Hands-on training within established estate gardens
- Regular workplace visits from a Monitoring Officer
- Potential future career and development opportunities, including possible permanent employment following successful completion of the apprenticeship
Ready to make your next career move? Apply Now for our Recruitment Team to review.
We're Hiring: Apprentice Gardener / Horticulture Apprenticeship in Ross on Wye employer: AWD Online
Join a dynamic and supportive team within a large education organisation that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. With a strong focus on shaping the people strategy, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development while making a meaningful impact across North Somerset and Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land We're Hiring: Apprentice Gardener / Horticulture Apprenticeship in Ross on Wye
✨Get Hands-On at Local Gardens
Dive into your local horticulture scene! Volunteer at community gardens or local parks to gain practical experience and meet professionals in the field. This not only builds your skills but also expands your network, making you more visible to potential employers like AWD Online.
✨Join Horticulture Societies
Research and join horticulture societies and clubs in your area. These groups often host workshops, events, and networking opportunities that can connect you directly with companies looking for apprentices, like AWD Online. Plus, you'll get to learn from seasoned pros in a relaxed environment.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb Online
Create a garden blog or an Instagram account to share your horticulture journey. Post about plants you’re working with, gardening tips, or even your experiences at local events. This will not only showcase your passion but also draw attention from potential employers, including AWD Online.
✨Apply Early and Keep It Local
Apprenticeships in horticulture can fill up fast, especially in peak seasons. Make sure to check for openings on our website regularly, and consider walking into garden centres or nurseries to inquire about opportunities directly. A friendly chat can sometimes go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace We're Hiring: Apprentice Gardener / Horticulture Apprenticeship in Ross on Wye
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, we like to see your passion for plants and the outdoors. Whether it’s a garden project or a few houseplants you’ve nurtured, include any practical experience and why it inspires you in your application. It’s all about demonstrating your love for the industry!
Highlight Your Learning Potential:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to know how eager you are to learn and grow. In your cover letter, make sure to discuss what you hope to gain from this role and how it fits into your career goals in horticulture. Show us your enthusiasm for lifelong learning!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to gardening, horticulture, or environmental studies, throw them into your application mix! These little nuggets help us see that you’ve got a solid foundation and commitment to the field, making you a more appealing candidate.
Keep It Personal and Passionate:When applying, remember to speak from the heart. Share personal stories or experiences related to horticulture that shaped your interest. We love seeing authentic passion, so let it shine through in your writing. And hey, don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD Online
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Make sure to brush up on your plant knowledge! During the interview, we might get into some technical questions about plant care, soil types, or pest management. Have some examples ready from your gardening experience or coursework that show how you’ve dealt with various horticultural challenges.
✨Bring Your Own Garden Portfolio
Since this is an apprenticeship, showcasing your passion can really set you apart. Create a small portfolio with pictures of your gardening projects, plants you've nurtured, or any relevant coursework. This hands-on evidence of your enthusiasm will definitely impress the folks at AWD Online.
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Familiarise yourself with the tools and techniques used in horticulture. Whether it's knowing how to use a spade correctly or understanding the basics of propagation, don’t be afraid to mention any specific tools you've used in the past. This will show that you're not just book-smart but also hands-on ready for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is just as important as your current knowledge. We need to convey your motivation during the interview, so reflect on what excites you about horticulture and how you're keen to grow (pun intended!) in this role at AWD Online. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
