Grounds Maintenance Apprentice in Huntingdon

Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents and businesses. Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making.

At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first. Joining HDC now gives you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact today whilst helping to shape the future of local government across our area. We are looking for people who are motivated by public service, embrace innovation, and want to play a part in building the organisation of tomorrow.

Huntingdonshire District Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance Apprentice to join our Operational Services team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience while completing a Level 2 apprenticeship. You will help maintain the council’s parks, play areas and open spaces, developing skills in grass cutting, planting, hedge and shrub maintenance, plant care and the safe use of grounds maintenance equipment.

As a Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance Apprentice, you will work alongside our experienced team to help keep Huntingdonshire’s parks, play areas and open spaces safe and well presented. You will gain practical experience in grass cutting, planting, pruning, hedge and shrub maintenance, weed control and seasonal work, while learning to use a range of tools and machinery safely. Alongside your day-to-day duties, you will complete the Level 2 Horticulture Operative apprenticeship, combining workplace experience with formal training.

You will have a positive, can-do attitude, be reliable and enthusiastic about learning new skills while working outdoors in all weather conditions. You will enjoy practical work, work well as part of a team and be able to follow instructions and safe working procedures. A full UK manual driving licence is essential, as you will need to travel between the depot, work sites and training locations. Previous experience is not required, but an interest in horticulture, gardening or grounds maintenance would be beneficial. You must also be committed to completing the Level 2 apprenticeship programme.

An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. HDC does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.

We recognise that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. While we welcome the use of technology to help present your experience and achievements, we ask that the content of your application remains an accurate reflection of your own skills, knowledge and experience. In particular, we encourage candidates to demonstrate how they meet the criteria for the role by providing specific examples from their own experience. This helps us to better assess your suitability for the position.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.