At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in maintaining beautiful gardens and landscapes at Golders Hill Park.
- Company: Join the City of London Corporation, managing award-winning parks enjoyed by millions.
- Benefits: Earn £27,010 per annum with a full-time, 18-month apprenticeship.
- Other info: Perfect for those looking to kickstart their career in gardening!
- Why this job: Gain hands-on horticultural experience while working outdoors in a stunning environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for horticulture and commitment to learning required.
The predicted salary is between 27010 - 27010 £ per year.
Salary: £27,010 per annum
Contractual Hours: 35 hours per week
Basis: Full time, Fixed Term Contract (18 months)
Workplace category: Workplace based
About Us
Golders Hill Park is an award winning 36 acre park situated in the London borough of Barnet. The park includes a walled garden, water garden, pinetum, stumpery, mature shrub borders, amenity lawn areas and a zoo. The Hill Garden and Pergola is a Grade 2 listed historic landscape feature with extensive climbing shrubs and formal mixed borders. All areas and gardens are maintained to a high aesthetic amenity standard.
The City of London Corporation manages 11,000 acres (approximately 4,500 hectares) of land in and around London that is enjoyed by over 16 million visitors annually. The City Corporation acts as Trustee of 10 charities which, through their various objects, are responsible for the preservation in perpetuity of a large proportion of these award-winning open spaces.
The role of the apprentice gardener is to assist the team to ensure high levels of horticultural excellence are maintained at all times in the Golders Hill Park and the Hill Garden and Pergola and to ensure that these areas are safe and welcoming places to visit. Working as part of the team & with volunteers the successful candidate will complete all aspects of daily gardening tasks including, formative pruning, bed and border maintenance, amenity lawn care, seasonal garden maintenance and ensuring the gardens are clean and welcoming for visitors.
The ideal Candidate
The successful applicant will be a dedicated, reliable, motivated and hard-working individual who has a passion for horticulture and is driven to learn. Please note: This is a physically demanding position with a lot of time spent working outside with direct exposure to the weather. 35-hour week, Monday-Friday. This apprenticeship role is based at Golders Hill Park and will last for 18 months (including time to complete your End Point Assessment). If you are enthusiastic and committed to achieving your Level 2 Horticulture qualification and are eligible to apply, we would love to hear from you.
To qualify for this apprenticeship, you will need to be:
- 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays
- Not in full-time education at the time of applying
If you are a non-UK citizen – you need to have permission from the UK government to live in the UK (not for educational purposes) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years before the start of the apprenticeship. Selected apprenticeships require evidence of English and Maths GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent. If we request specific qualification evidence it will be required before applications are considered, please send copies of your certificates and application reference number to CoLHR.Apprenticeships@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
Selection for the apprenticeship is on the basis of suitability and commitment to the apprenticeship not qualification. Please see the Job Information Pack for further information.
Closing date: 23:59 1 July 2026
Interview date: 13 July 2026
Please note that this apprenticeship is not available to current City of London employees. As part of the selection process the successful applicant will be required to undertake a prior learning check; all prior qualifications will be verified through the education system to ensure no prior learning has taken place that will impact the apprentice criteria before a successful candidate is formally offered the apprenticeship.
The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Horticulture Apprentice employer: City of London
Golders Hill Park, managed by the City of London Corporation, offers a unique opportunity for aspiring horticulturists to thrive in a beautiful and historic environment. With a commitment to horticultural excellence, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages learning and development, alongside a competitive salary and the chance to work in one of London's award-winning parks. This apprenticeship not only provides hands-on experience but also paves the way for future career growth in the field of horticulture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticulture Apprentice
✨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 City of London.
✨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 City of London. 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 City of London.
✨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 Horticulture Apprentice
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 City of London
✨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 City of London.
✨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 City of London. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
