Working Week: Monday- Friday 9 paid hours per day (paid hour for lunch)
Brief Description
Do you want to work for a reputable company? Do you want to work in different client settings across different areas? Do you want to receive free memberships to gardens across the UK AND receive free training? Apply now!
Qualifications Required
To be considered for this role you will ideally need to have GCSE grades 9-3 (A*- D) in English and maths or the ability to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills during the programme.
If you don\'t meet the entry requirements for this vacancy but are still interested in an apprenticeship, please contact our dedicated Apprenticeship Recruitment Team who can discuss this with you further - apprenticeships@bedford.ac.uk or 01234 291375
Personal Qualities
Enthusiasm and a genuine interest in horticulture
Committed to learning and delivering a great service
Good attention to detail
Skills Required
Able to work as part of a team
Reliable
Hard working
Willing to be focused on delivering a great service
Training to be Provided
Level 2 Apprenticeship in either Horticulture or Landscape Operative. Plus: Emegency First Aid at Work, Level 2 Safe use of handling and application of pesticides, Functional Skills in English & maths (if required). You will also study a range of topics to include: Health and Safety, Business Skills, Machinery, Plant and Soil Science, Plant health
Future Prospects
Hislop & Co invest heavily in their staff with ongoing training and development plans. Career progression is a very real prospect for their apprentices.
Previous apprentices on this scheme have progressed into roles such as Assistant and Team Leader.
Hislop & Co Horticulture Ltd was founded in 2005. Their focus has always been, and continues to be, reliability, attention to detail, and a friendly, personable yet professional and knowledgeable service. Their broad client base includes private and public companies, estate and land agents, independent schools, prestigious hotels, business parks and property management companies.
Hislop & Co staff benefits include attending regular breakfast and BBQ events, sick pay up to 4 days a year, extensive first aid training. free Royal Horticultural Society membership to attend RHS grounds across the UK and up to 3 RHS workshops a year such as seasonal tree pruning and fruit tree pruning,
Part of your role will be work alongside their experienced, friendly and knowledgeable garden and grounds maintenance teams cutting grass, pruning and maintaining plant health, leaf blowing, hedge trimming, planting, garden and grounds maintenance and pressure washing.
Other Information
Candidates must be able to pass an enhanced DBS check
Due to the company\'s location, please consider your transport
Candidates must carry out an initial interview with a member of the Bedford College Apprenticeship Recruitment Team. This is part of the recruitment process and must be completed in order for your application to be progressed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Apprentice in Hitchin
✨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 Bedford College.
✨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 Bedford College.
✨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 Bedford College; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
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 Bedford College.
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 Grounds Maintenance Apprentice.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Bedford College 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 Bedford College a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford College
✨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 Bedford College might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
