At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to maintain stunning gardens and learn essential horticultural skills.
- Company: The Crown Estate, a leader in environmental stewardship and visitor engagement.
- Benefits: Living wage salary, 28 days holiday, private healthcare, and discounts.
- Other info: Work outdoors, flexible hours, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a historic landscape while earning a Level 2 qualification.
- Qualifications: GCSE in English and Maths at Grade 4 or above; passion for horticulture.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 £ per year.
At The Crown Estate, we actively manage a diverse portfolio across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to create lasting and shared prosperity for the nation. We manage the whole of the Windsor Estate, encompassing some 15,800 acres, where our role as long term custodians is nowhere more apparent. Windsor is one of the country's most unique and important environmental and ecological sites. It is an ancient Royal landscape of forests, grasslands, lakes and gardens with 1,000 years of history including historical monuments, rare wildlife and National Collections of plants and Champion Trees. An operational Estate with farms, vineyard, commercial forestry as well as residential and commercial lettings, we also welcome 6 million visitors every year, placing it among the UK’s top visitor attractions.
This is a learning and development role to gain knowledge, skills and experience to become a qualified horticulturist. The apprenticeship typically lasts 24 months and leads to a Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship qualification upon successful completion.
What you’ll be doing
You will work as part of a team of professionals across three gardens: The Savill Garden, the Valley Gardens and Frogmore delivering the highest horticultural standards. Each garden has a different characteristic and plant collection, and you will support the team undertaking a range of activities including hedge cutting, mowing, strimming, weeding and pruning. You will be expected to comply with health and safety legislation and safe working practices and undertake on and off the job training to a set programme. Working alongside a team of professionals on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills and knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard. This apprenticeship will be delivered through a blended learning model involving a balance of taught online activities, webinars, and tutorials covering theoretical knowledge requirements and on campus workshop time to hone your practical skills.
About you
We are looking for people who can demonstrate their communication and problem solving skills and are able to work well in a team and demonstrate attention to detail. Experience is not essential, but any practical or manual work experience would be helpful. You should demonstrate interest in horticulture, The Crown Estate and Windsor Great Park, show commitment to maintaining health and safety standards, and be willing and able to work outdoors in all weathers. You must show commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme, demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, and have a strong customer service focus while working well as part of a team. You should consistently demonstrate The Crown Estate values and behaviours including working together, being honest and respectful, taking responsibility, and looking for better ways of working. A flexible and adaptable approach to supporting the team is essential.
Eligibility criteria
- GCSE in English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.
- Aged 16 or over and have completed year 11.
- Not in full time education.
- Have the right to work in the UK.
- Able to travel to Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA), Maidenhead SL6 6QR one day per week.
Other requirements
- Able to travel to Windsor Great Park - our working hours are 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
- Security clearance in addition to standard BPSS checks must be maintained for this role.
- The role holder must be able to work two weekends each year to support the wider Estate. Overtime or time off in lieu will be offered.
- The role holder must be able to undertake a largely manual role working outdoors in all weathers.
What we offer
- Salary aligned to the Living Wage
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- 28 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
- Private health care
- Life assurance
- Choice of two pension schemes
- Discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes
- Rental deposit scheme
- Employee Assistance programme
- Cycle to work loan
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long term condition and need us to make any adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting Roxy Flack via email. Our goal is to build a truly diverse team and incorporate diversity into everything we do - enabling our people to thrive in a collaborative and inclusive culture. We are keen to ensure diversity of thought and lived experience at The Crown Estate, so want to use this as an opportunity to broaden the range of skills, experience and perspectives represented in our teams, and ensure that we continue to be led by our commitment to inclusion so that we can fulfil our purpose for the communities we serve.
Apprentice Horticulturist in Windsor employer: Job Search Place Limited
The Crown Estate is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the historic and ecologically rich Windsor Great Park. With a strong commitment to employee development through a structured apprenticeship programme, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth. Our competitive benefits package, including private healthcare and a discretionary bonus scheme, alongside the chance to work in one of the UK's most beautiful landscapes, makes us an attractive choice for aspiring horticulturists.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Horticulturist in Windsor
✨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 Job Search Place 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 Job Search Place 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 Job Search Place 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 Apprentice Horticulturist in Windsor
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 Job Search Place 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 Job Search Place 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 Job Search Place Limited. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
