At a Glance
- Tasks: Help keep Cambridge beautiful by working outdoors and maintaining parks and green spaces.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at Cambridge City Council, making a difference every day.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive pay, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team environment await you.
- Why this job: Start your career in horticulture while enjoying the great outdoors and seeing your impact.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 13.69 - 13.69 £ per hour.
Help keep Cambridge looking its best - while building your future. This is Cambridge, a city famous around the world for its historic streets, beautiful parks and green spaces. Every day, thousands of people enjoy the places that make Cambridge special. Behind those spaces is a dedicated team of people who keep them clean, safe and looking their best. At Cambridge City Council, our Public Realm Operations team plays a vital role in caring for the city. If you enjoy being outdoors, working with your hands and seeing the difference your work makes, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Earn while you learn
This is a permanent job from day one. You’ll work towards a Level 2 apprenticeship while gaining real experience alongside skilled and experienced colleagues. You’ll learn new practical skills, use professional equipment and receive the training and support you need to build a career in horticulture, landscape maintenance and public realm services. During your apprenticeship you’ll earn £13.69 per hour (Real Living Wage plus Cambridge Weighting). Once you’ve successfully completed your apprenticeship, your pay will increase to £15.31 per hour (£29,540 per annum).
What You’ll Be Doing
No two days will be exactly the same. You’ll help look after some of Cambridge’s most valued spaces, including parks, open spaces and landscaped areas. Your day could include:
- Planting flowers, shrubs and trees.
- Mowing, weeding and pruning to keep green spaces looking their best.
- Supporting small landscaping improvement projects.
- Learning how to safely use tools, machinery and specialist equipment.
- Helping maintain areas that residents and visitors enjoy every day.
You’ll be working outside, learning from experienced colleagues and building practical skills that will stay with you throughout your career.
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need years of experience or lots of qualifications. We’re looking for someone with the right attitude who wants to learn and get stuck in. You’ll enjoy practical outdoor work, take pride in doing a good job and be someone who can be relied upon. You’ll work well as part of a team, follow instructions and always put safety first. A full UK driving licence would be helpful as you develop within the role, but it isn’t essential. Previous experience in horticulture, landscaping, grounds maintenance or using tools and equipment would be an advantage - but your willingness to learn is what matters most.
Why join us?
This is more than just an apprenticeship. It’s your chance to start a career while making a visible difference to one of the UK’s most famous cities. You’ll gain a recognised qualification, develop valuable practical skills and learn from colleagues who know the job inside out. As you grow your skills, there will be opportunities to continue developing your career within Cambridge City Council. You’ll also receive a wide range of benefits, including:
- Excellent learning and development opportunities supported via a range of sources and methods and, where applicable, recognised through Digital Badges.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme.
- Agile and Flexible working options.
- Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years' service, plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time), with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Family friendly policies and Flexible Bank Holidays.
- Confidential wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and Your Care wellbeing platform.
- Staff reward and recognition framework, including an annual staff awards ceremony.
- Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on role.
- Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, Gym Membership and Home & Electronics Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK's leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more.
- Free swimming at CCC swimming pools.
- Subsidy for public transport.
- Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases.
- Annually negotiated pay and award progression.
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £13.69 per hour (Real Living Wage + Cambridge Weighting) rising to £15.31 per hour (£29,540 per annum) upon successful completion of the apprenticeship
Location: Based at the Operational Hub, Cowley Road you will be working in and around Cambridge City.
Cambridge City Council recognises the value of digital badges in evidencing skills, knowledge and competencies, and welcomes their inclusion within job applications as verifiable indicators of achievement and capability. Cambridge City Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
General Operative (Public Realm) - Apprentice in Cambridge employer: Cambridge City Council
At Cambridge City Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions digital transformation and community support. As a Digital Applications and Change Lead, you'll be at the forefront of enhancing our critical applications while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through extensive learning opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave and wellbeing support. Join us in making a meaningful impact in Cambridge, where your contributions will directly influence the delivery of vital services to our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Operative (Public Realm) - Apprentice in Cambridge
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Apprenticeships in agriculture are all about practical skills, so jump at any chance to volunteer or get involved on local farms. Attend open days or agricultural shows in your area to meet professionals and learn hands-on techniques—it's a fantastic way to show your enthusiasm and learn about what different roles entail.
✨Join Agricultural Communities
Look for local farming or agricultural clubs and networks, as these are great for meeting like-minded people and industry veterans. Platforms like Facebook often have groups dedicated to agriculture where you can ask questions and seek guidance—plus, they might have job leads specifically for apprenticeships.
✨Take Initiative with Local Farms
Don't wait for job postings—reach out directly to farms in your area. Offer to help with seasonal tasks or internships, and when the time comes for them to take on apprentices, they might remember your initiative and commitment. Personal connections can make all the difference in securing that apprenticeship.
✨Apply Directly through Cambridge City Council
When you're ready to apply, head over to our website to see any apprenticeship opportunities with Cambridge City Council. Our application process is straightforward, and showing your interest by applying directly is a great way to stand out—plus, you might just land that apprenticeship to kick-start your career in agriculture!
We think you need these skills to ace General Operative (Public Realm) - Apprentice in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Agriculture:When applying for an apprenticeship in agriculture, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about any farming experiences, courses you've taken, or projects you’ve been involved in that got you excited about this field. Don't hold back on what drives you – genuine passion can make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Studies:Make sure to emphasise any relevant skills or knowledge from your studies that relate to agriculture. This could include anything from understanding crop cycles to machinery operation. If you've got any practical skills, like operating farm equipment or conducting soil tests, be sure to mention those, as they’ll show you're ready to dive into hands-on learning.
Tailor Your CV to Agriculture:Your CV should reflect your journey in agriculture so far. Include any specific coursework, projects, or volunteer work related to farming or environmental science. We love seeing a tailored CV that speaks to the apprenticeship role, so ensure it demonstrates your eagerness to learn and grow in this field.
Be Clear About Your Learning Goals:In your cover letter, take some time to outline what you hope to learn through this apprenticeship. Being specific about your goals will show Cambridge City Council that you’re committed to your personal development and that you’ve put thought into how this opportunity fits into your career plans. Let’s make sure they know you’re ready to soak up all the knowledge you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Know Your Crops
Brush up on the specific crops or livestock relevant to the apprenticeship at Cambridge City Council. Understanding their growing cycles, care requirements, and common challenges can really impress your interviewers. Consider bringing up any personal experiences or coursework related to agriculture that highlights your knowledge!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is an apprenticeship, they’ll likely be interested in your practical skills. Be prepared to discuss any previous work you've done in agriculture or related fields. If you’ve participated in farm volunteer work or projects, make sure to highlight that experience to show your dedication and foundational skills.
✨Ask About the Tools
Don't shy away from asking questions about the tools and technologies used at Cambridge City Council. Familiarity with common agricultural tools and practices can set you apart from others, so ask about the equipment they use and express your interest in learning to use them effectively during your apprenticeship.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
As you’re vying for an apprenticeship, demonstrating your eagerness to learn is key. Share your motivation for wanting to get into agriculture, whether it's a family background, school projects, or just a love for the outdoors. Letting your enthusiasm shine through will make you memorable in the selection process!
