Horticulture Apprentice (Level 2) in Leeds

Leeds City College are seeking a Horticulture Apprentice to join our dynamic team in the Animal Care and Land Management department. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work alongside our horticulture staff and students to maintain the campus grounds, as well as collaborate with council colleagues in the wider estate to develop your knowledge and skills. This role is predominantly a support role focused on developing the campus grounds to ensure they reflect the high standards of our horticulture curriculum. There will also be opportunities to support horticulture practical classes.

As part of this apprenticeship, the successful candidate will be required to undertake off-the-job training delivered by an external training provider. This role will be based mainly at Temple Newsam but may require working at other campuses such as Printworks or the University Centre. The role is a practical position working in the grounds of the estate, so some experience in a similar setting is desirable. The position is full time and fixed term for the length of the Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship (24 months), starting in September 2026.

What You Will Do

• Maintain workplace health and safety
• Minimise environmental impact and manage wastage
• Safely operate tools and machinery
• Keep accurate written and digital records
• Communicate effectively across teams
• Enforce biosecurity and pest controls
• Manage plant health and care
• Prepare sites and plant new materials

About You

• Have a relevant highest-level vocational qualification in a related subject (at least Level 1)
• Relevant up-to-date subject knowledge in horticulture and workplace practice
• Ability to follow direction, be adaptable and flexible

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 44 days plus bank holidays for Curriculum and Management; 39 days plus bank holidays for Curriculum support and business support
• Pension Schemes with Generous Employer Contributions: Teachers’ Pension Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, People’s Pension Scheme
• CPD Opportunities: Annual staff conference plus 2 additional staff development days; Qualifications including PGCE, apprenticeships, leadership and management courses
• Employee wellbeing initiatives: Family Friendly Policies, discounted onsite spa (Printworks) and gym (Park Lane)
• Travel and commuting: Discounted travel available through Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus, and Cycle to Work scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities: Please speak to the recruiting manager regarding flexible opportunities as these differ between roles

Safeguarding

All successful applicants will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment checks which include an enhanced DBS check, online checks, and two satisfactory references. It is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in recruitment is key to our Group’s values. We foster a workplace that embraces equality, diversity and inclusion in all its forms, where every candidate is treated with fairness, respect, and equity.