At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain beautiful parks and learn essential horticultural skills.
- Company: Coventry City Council is dedicated to creating inclusive communities and enhancing local green spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a great pension scheme, and access to accredited training courses.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups and taster sessions available to explore the role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while working outdoors in a supportive, diverse environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.
Our Values are:
- Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
- Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
- Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
- Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.
Coombe Country Park is set on the outskirts of Coventry and War Memorial Park in the city centre. They are managed as part of the Park Service for the city council. Coombe and War Memorial Park have won many awards for quality and excellence in management, conservation, visitor experience and education. These include SSSI status for 40 years, Green Flag (Park and Green spaces excellence award), Visit England visitor attraction quality scheme, Natural England’s Country Park Accreditation and Trip Advisor certificate of excellence for consistently high ratings in our customer reviews. Our staff provide high-quality provision in terms of green space care, development and restoration based on an important site for biodiversity amongst the wider ancient woodland landscape setting and the cultural & heritage setting of listed building (Coombe Abbey Hotel). We are visitor focussed, family friendly and encourage visitors to explore the site for heritage and biodiversity.
What is the job role?
We are looking for a Park and Open Spaces Apprentice to join out team.
You will:
- Assist in the maintenance of Coombe Abbey Park and War Memorial Park
- Learn how to use and maintain horticultural tools and equipment safely
- Supporting planting, pruning, grass cutting, and landscaping work
- Helping to ensure public spaces are safe, clean, and welcoming
- Working with experienced staff to develop knowledge of biodiversity and sustainability
- A recognised qualification - Horticulture Operative Level 2
- On-the-job training and mentoring from our experienced team
- Practical skills and experience to launch a career in parks management and horticulture
This apprenticeship role is a fixed-term contract for 18months in line with the length of the apprenticeship training.
Who are we looking for?
About you:
- A genuine interest in working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Willingness to learn and a positive, can-do attitude
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
- No prior experience necessary – just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in!
Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you\'ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
A taster session will be held at the War Memorial Park where candidates can learn more about what the role entails and the types of work which will be carried out. Spaces are limited, please email coombe@coventry.gov.uk to book onto one of the 1hr long sessions where further details will be provided.
Taster sessions: 23/06/25
Pre-interview and assessment date (via Microsoft Teams)*: 09/07/25
Interview date(s) (Face-to-face): 15/07/25
- The pre-interview is a short session to give the candidates further details of the apprenticeship role and to help them understand what to expect from and how to prepare for the final interview. You will also complete a short diagnostic assessment to check the level of Maths and English that they are currently working at and identify any support they may require.
If you would like support in completing your application or have any questions about our recruitment and selection processes, help is available at The Job Shop.
We would recommend that all applicants take advantage of this service in order to maximise the chances of being shortlisted.
Address: West Orchard Way, Coventry CV1 1FY
Phone: 024 7678 5740
Email: jobshop@coventry.gov.uk
Website: http://www.coventry.gov.uk/jobshop
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.
At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.
If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards & benefits package which includes:
- Flexible working arrangements
- An outstanding local government pension scheme
- Great opportunities to develop with access to accredited courses.
- Access to an award-winning Occupational Health Service
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme
Attached documents
- Coventry City Council Application Process.pdf
- Job Description and Person Specification.pdf
Parks and Open Spaces Apprentice in Coventry employer: Coventry City Council
Coventry City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued within our workforce. As a Parks and Open Spaces Apprentice, you will benefit from hands-on training in a supportive environment, with opportunities for personal and professional growth while working in the beautiful Coombe Abbey Park and War Memorial Park. Our commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive rewards package makes us a fantastic place to launch your career in parks management and horticulture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks and Open Spaces Apprentice in Coventry
✨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 Coventry City Council
When you're ready to apply, head over to our website to see any apprenticeship opportunities with Coventry 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 Parks and Open Spaces Apprentice in Coventry
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 Coventry 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 Coventry City Council
✨Know Your Crops
Brush up on the specific crops or livestock relevant to the apprenticeship at Coventry 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 Coventry 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!
