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.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive pay and great perks.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working options and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a historic city while building your career.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
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.
Application Process: To be considered for this role, please contact Cambridge City Council.
Cambridge City Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
General Operative (Public Realm) - Apprentice - Cambridge in Haverhill 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 - Cambridge in Haverhill
✨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 Cambridge City Council.
✨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 Cambridge City Council. 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 Cambridge City Council.
✨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!
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 Cambridge City Council
✨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 Cambridge City Council.
✨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 Cambridge City Council. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
