At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the team to maintain beautiful parks and gardens while learning hands-on horticulture skills.
- Company: Barnstaple Town Council, dedicated to enhancing the town's environment.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, potential for full-time role, and support for further qualifications.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing your passion for nature and gardening.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; enthusiasm for horticulture is a must.
The predicted salary is between 27785 - 28140 £ per year.
Barnstaple Town Council are offering a fantastic opportunity to join their team as a Horticulture Apprentice. This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals and develop new skills and knowledge.
About the Employer
The Council is made up of 24 elected councillors and supported by a team of 25 officers. Together, we deliver a wide range of services and projects through our Estates and Community Teams, while also leading on major developments and strategic partnerships. The Council’s work is delivered through several key teams and strategic partnerships. Barnstaple Town Council are responsible for the care and maintenance of the town’s physical environment.
The Estates Team main responsibilities include:
- Maintaining highway verges, shrub beds, and sponsored flower beds across the parish.
- Managing Rock Park, including play area inspections and maintenance (also supporting neighbouring parishes).
- Supports the Barnstaple in Bloom volunteer group.
- Providing caretaking and maintenance for Town Council properties.
- Delivering town centre maintenance and supports town events, including road closures.
What You'll Do
You will work alongside the rest of the estates team and will be involved in tasks including:
- Mowing and strimming
- Pruning and hedge maintenance
- Maintenance of the surrounding woodland
- Maintenance of shrubs and borders
- Planting, plant care and maintenance of plants and shrubs
- Pest Control
- Waste and recycling duties
- Low level sports and grounds maintenance
Training Outcome
Following successful completion of your apprenticeship there might be a full time position. You could also opt to progress onto a higher apprenticeship, such as Level 3 Horticulture.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
Qualifications
- Essential - GCSE - English - 3/D
- Essential - GCSE - Maths - 3/D
Course Information
Course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Level: 2
Route: Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate
Working Arrangements
Working Week: Monday to Thursday 8am - 4pm, Friday 8am to 3.30pm
Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months
Training Provider: CORNWALL COLLEGE
Horticulture Apprentice employer: Barnstaple Town Council
Barnstaple Town Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises hands-on learning and professional development. As a Horticulture Apprentice, you will benefit from practical experience in a beautiful location while working towards a Level 2 qualification, with opportunities for full-time employment and further advancement within the council's dedicated Estates Team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticulture Apprentice
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Barnstaple Town Council.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Barnstaple Town Council.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Barnstaple Town Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticulture Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Barnstaple Town Council.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Horticulture Apprentice.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Barnstaple Town Council is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Barnstaple Town Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnstaple Town Council
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Barnstaple Town Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
