At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Grounds Team to maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and learn essential horticultural skills.
- Company: Worthing Homes, a supportive and inclusive housing association.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, retail discounts, and funded training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while working towards an NVQ in horticulture.
- Qualifications: A passion for gardening and a willingness to learn new skills.
The predicted salary is between 16640 - 16640 £ per year.
Location: On site / Worthing, UK
Job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Housing | Housing Association
Annual Fixed Salary: £16,640 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week (varied through summer and winter)
We are currently looking for an Apprentice Grounds Operative to join our Grounds Team responsible for maintaining the appearance of our residents’ properties.
Key responsibilities:
- To undertake all duties within the Grounds Team, 4 days a week in accordance with the grounds work schedule, and ensure all areas are left clean and tidy after work is completed.
- Undertake grass cutting, shrub and border maintenance, hedge cutting, leaf clearance, litter picking, gritting and other horticultural maintenance as directed.
- Support the team leader and other colleagues in achieving daily and weekly targets.
- Have a sound working knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, including safe working practices and use of appropriate protective clothes and safety gear (PPE).
- Attend college 1 day a week to gain NVQ level 2 horticulture qualification.
- Study for all relevant exams and submit coursework as required for the NVQ qualification.
About you:
- Be willing to learn horticultural skills and techniques and be able to demonstrate competency in carrying out the pruning of shrubs and trees.
- Have a keen interest in horticultural and grounds maintenance.
- Have an understanding of Health and Safety.
- Demonstrate a hard-working attitude, with the ability to prioritise workload and effectively work to meet deadlines.
- Be committed to a high level of customer care.
- Have the ability to drive, or be working towards this, to operate ride-on mowers.
Why work with us?
At Worthing Homes we strive to create a supportive and inclusive work environment ensuring colleagues feel valued and respected. We promote a collaborative culture in which teamwork is highly valued, and we employ brilliant people to work with our customers to help support them to live their best lives.
Benefits:
- Contributory pension scheme – company matches up to 6%.
- A generous annual leave package of 29 days per year plus bank holidays.
- Retail and gym discounts.
- Cycle2Work Scheme.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Funded training and qualifications.
- Paid Professional Subscription (1 per year).
We are committed to investing in our colleague’s development by offering a variety of opportunities for training, learning, and skills development, enabling everyone to reach their full potential and contribute to the success of Worthing Homes.
Application information:
Closing date: 25th June 2026. 1st interviews will be held on 2nd July 2026 at Doubleday House, Worthing. We reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is identified, therefore we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.
Checks:
This role is subject to a basic DBS check to support the safety of our vulnerable customers. Any unspent cautions or convictions disclosed will be reviewed carefully and fairly, with consideration given to their relevance, the time elapsed, and evidence of positive change.
Equal Opportunity:
We are a fair and inclusive organisation, and we value each individual’s unique contribution, irrespective of race, ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or social background.
Grounds Apprentice in Worthing employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd
At Worthing Homes, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our funded training opportunities and generous benefits, including a contributory pension scheme and a substantial annual leave package. Working in Worthing not only allows you to develop your horticultural skills but also to be part of a collaborative culture dedicated to enhancing the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Apprentice in Worthing
✨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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd.
✨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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd. 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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd.
✨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 Grounds Apprentice in Worthing
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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd
✨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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd.
✨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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
