Estates Apprentice in Sandford

Introduction

Learn the practical trades and skills needed to keep the charity’s estate safe, functional and well presented. Church Knowle is the charity’s head office and principal visitor and rehoming centre: a working rural site with animal accommodation, paddocks, fencing, outbuildings, cottages and public areas.

About the Employer

A highly regarded, established local charity.

We take in animals who have become homeless due to changes in circumstance, as well as those who have experienced neglect, mistreatment or abandonment. No matter their past, every animal that comes into our care is treated with kindness, love, and respect. Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where each animal can recover, rebuild trust, and prepare for a loving new home.

We pride ourselves on the high standard of care we deliver, ensuring every animal receives the comfort, compassion, nutrition, and veterinary support they need. Rehoming is at the heart of everything we do.

Our carefully considered rehoming process is designed to create lasting matches between animals and people, always guided by the best interests of the animal. We take the time to understand both the needs of our animals and the lifestyles of potential rehomers, helping to ensure successful, lifelong relationships.

What You'll Do

Grounds, landscaping and fencing:

• Grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, planting and general grounds upkeep, including paths, car parking, drainage and public areas
• Installing, repairing and inspecting stock fencing, post and rail, livestock proof fencing, gates, latches and paddock boundaries
• Understanding why containment standards matter in an animal rescue setting, and recording fence and gate inspections and defects

Painting, repairs and building fabric:

• Surface preparation, filling, sanding, priming and finishing internal and external surfaces, working to washable, durable and animal safe standards
• Basic carpentry and joinery repairs to doors, windows, frames and fittings, and basic repairs to plastered surfaces, tiling and flooring
• Responding to day-to-day maintenance requests under supervision, including basic plumbing tasks such as tap changes, isolating supplies and clearing blockages
• Fault finding, and knowing clearly when a job must be passed to a qualified trade or contractor

Site management and planned maintenance:

• Contributing to the planned preventative maintenance schedule, and assisting with statutory and routine checks including fire equipment, emergency lighting, water safety and legionella flushing, and portable appliance testing
• Meeting, inducting and supervising contractors under direction, and checking work on completion

Health, safety and your apprenticeship:

• Working safely at all times under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, risk assessments and method statements, using personal protective equipment correctly and handling substances safely under COSHH
• Following site biosecurity procedures and behaving safely around animals in the charity’s care, and reporting hazards, near misses and accidents promptly
• Completing off the job training, building a portfolio of evidence with a workplace mentor, attending progress reviews and preparing for end point assessment
• Working towards Level 2 English and maths where not already achieved

Training Outcome

Following completion of the apprenticeship the right candidate may be offered a position as a permanent member of staff.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Qualifications

• Desired - GCSE - English - 4
• Desired - GCSE - Maths - 4

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: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm with an hour unpaid lunch. One day per week off site to attend training college.

Expected Duration: 2 Years

Training Provider: COASTLAND COLLEGE