Middlesbrough Football Club is seeking an Apprentice to join our enthusiastic and dedicated Grounds team.
Based at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, the main purpose of this role is to assist the Grounds team with the maintenance of the stadium pitch. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to build a career in Sports Turf and Ground Maintenance whilst gaining a qualification.
Key Duties:
• Divoting of the pitch
• Loading, transporting and storing of medium to heavy equipment and materials
• Ensuring all machinery is prepared for safe use, cleaned and stored after use
• Assisting with mowing, line marking, renovation and setting out equipment
• Assisting with frost protection and drainage measures
• Assisting with pitch maintenance – fertilizing, rolling, spiking
• Erecting, transporting and dismantling of goals
• Assisting with irrigation
• Deployment of lighting rigs
About The Candidate
Candidates should:
Have GCSE English and Maths at grade 3 (or D) or above.Be willing to complete a work based Level 2 Sports Turf Qualification.
Be hardworking, and enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Have an eye for quality, sense of responsibility and a genuine interest in sports turf and horticulture with a \'can do\' attitude.
Be well-organised and be able to work to tight deadlines with excellent time keeping and reliability.
Enjoy working within a team and follow instructions.
Work with pride in keeping football ground presentable
Desirable but not essential:
Any previous experience in gardening, grounds maintenance, landscaping, or sport
Interest in football or sports environments
Basic knowledge of grass cutting
Awareness of machinery such as mowers
The successful candidate will work alongside experienced staff whilst gaining job-specific skills and studying towards a work based Level 2 Sports Turf Operative qualification.
Hours of work will be from 8am until 4pm, Monday - Friday and may include some match days or weekend work. Candidates must have suitable transportation to access the Stadium for these shifts. There may also be a requirement for occasional work at Rockliffe Park Training Ground located in Hurworth-on-Tees, near Darlington. The hourly rate will be the National Minimum Wage rate set by the government for apprentices.
About The Club
MFC is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. MFC is also committed to the safeguarding of vulnerable groups.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice - Grounds Person Middlesbrough Football Club
✨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 EFL.
✨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 EFL.
✨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 EFL; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
Some tips for your application 🫡
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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 EFL a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at EFL
✨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 EFL might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
