At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and engage with the community.
- Company: First Choice Homes Oldham, a leading housing association dedicated to local communities.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, earn while you learn, and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to progress to Level 3 or secure permanent employment after the apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a visible difference in your community while working outdoors and developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths (Grades 9-4) required; passion for the environment is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26437 - 26437 £ per year.
Do you enjoy working outdoors, being active and making a visible difference in your local community? First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is looking for an enthusiastic Environmental Services Operative Apprentice to join our Neighbourhood Care team.
We are a housing association formed to benefit our local communities. We are committed to our purpose of providing quality homes and services and with around 10% of the local population living in an FCHO home, we are proud to be an anchor organisation through our significant contribution as a large local business and employer. We own and manage around 11,500 homes, have the highest regulatory (G1/V1) rating, and plan to build more than 600 affordable new homes in the coming years.
What You'll Do
- To liaise and communicate with members of the public, colleagues and other local services in a polite, courteous manner.
- To carry out supervised grounds maintenance and general maintenance tasks to communal environmental areas including grass cutting, edging, hedge trimming, pruning, planting, seeding, weeding and spraying, clearance of leaves and litter, removal of fly tipping and the maintenance of outdoor recreational facilities.
- Basic construction labouring work such as emptying of bins, painting of street furniture, hanging of public signage etc.
- To gain knowledge, experience and training to support the safe operation of a range of hand tools and equipment (including powered tools), plant, mini tractor mounted equipment and vehicles.
- To carry out daily checks and basic maintenance of the tools and equipment, reporting any damage and issues found.
- To report graffiti, vandalism, repairs and defects in communal areas to the relevant team.
- To undertake seasonal tasks during winter and summer such as clearing of snow and ice, upkeep and cleaning of recreational, play and artificial pitch areas, clearing of litter, animal faeces and waste in line with health and safety maintenance measures.
- To attend neighbourhood and community activities and projects (e.g. community fun days, self-help growing and allotment projects, local schools' environmental projects) as required.
- To attend college on set dates agreed by the provider ensuring your college work is completed on time to a high standard.
- To carry out routine checks, maintenance, safe use and storage of HGV's and specialist vehicles including ride on mowers, mechanical sweeping equipment and associated tractor mounted equipment.
- To safely work with pesticides in accordance with regulations and to treat invasive weeds once trained.
- To adhere to all relevant quality standards and health and safety/COSH requirements.
- To attend and contribute to team briefing discussions.
This list should not be regarded as exhaustive and from time to time you will be expected to undertake other reasonable duties relevant and appropriate to the role as directed by your line manager.
Training Outcome
To progress onto Level 3 or secure permanent employment.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Listening skills
- Manual handling
- Work outside in all weathers
Qualifications
Essential - GCSE - English and Maths - Grades 9-4 (A*-C)
Course Information
Course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Level: 2
Route: Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate
Working Arrangements
Working Week: 37 hours per week, shift times to be confirmed.
Expected Duration: 2 Years
Training Provider: THE OLDHAM COLLEGE
Horticulture Level 2 Apprenticeship employer: FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM LIMITED
FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM LIMITED is an excellent employer that prioritises the growth and development of its apprentices, offering a supportive work culture where you can gain hands-on experience in environmental services. With a commitment to community engagement and a structured apprenticeship programme at THE OLDHAM COLLEGE, employees benefit from valuable training opportunities and the potential for long-term career advancement in the housing sector.
Contact Details:
FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticulture Level 2 Apprenticeship
✨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 FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM LIMITED.
✨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 FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM LIMITED. 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 FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM LIMITED.
✨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 Level 2 Apprenticeship
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 FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM LIMITED
✨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 FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM LIMITED.
✨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 FIRST CHOICE HOMES OLDHAM LIMITED. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
