Horticulture Apprentice - Level 2

Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship, where we’ll support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to protect historic sites, tackle climate change, and help people and nature thrive. You don’t need experience for this role, just plenty of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

As one of our Horticulture Apprentices, you’ll be part of our horticulture teams, helping to look after our 224 Historic gardens, playing a vital role in delivering our conservation and climate change strategies, helping to undertake the regular tasks and horticultural maintenance, conservation, and care of the gardens to safeguard them for the future. This role can lead to an Assistant Gardener or Gardener role, and you could potentially move to a Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship after additional experience gained in role.

Our gardens are heritage sites, and homes to the most extensive plant collection in Europe, and our gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of plant collections and the gardens to increasing numbers of members and visitors. Our gardens are much loved and visited from far and wide by many and you’ll be part of the team of professionals caring for all aspects of the heritage gardens in the portfolio.

Your training will be delivered via a combination of mandatory 5-day college blocks and online learning, with all college expenses and travel paid. There will also be opportunities to travel to other National Trust locations with some overnight stays to expand your learning and experience. You’ll also be able to join other training events and learn from industry colleagues internally and externally.

The twentieth century gardens at Gunby cover a wide variety of horticultural styles, consisting of two Victorian Walled Gardens, rose garden, kitchen garden, herbaceous borders, formal gardens, yew hedges, and a variety of trained fruit.

As an apprentice you’ll be immersed into the experienced team of expert gardeners who will guide you in the art of presenting Gunby gardens to a high standard including management of herbaceous borders, different propagation methods, pruning techniques, plant health and turf care. You’ll also be included in delivering garden team events such as ‘Rose Day’ and ‘Apple Day’.

Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you’ll develop the skills & knowledge relevant to this apprenticeship standard. You’ll attend and prepare for regular review meetings with your training provider and be accountable for your own progression. You’ll be required to complete mandatory e-learning, courses and training provided.

In addition to the qualities listed in the role profile, we’d love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:

• A minimum of 2 GCSE’s which must include English and maths at grade E/2, functional skills level 1 or equivalent (If you hold an EHCP, entry level 3 in English and maths is acceptable).
• Aged 16 or over and have completed year 11
• Not in full time education
• Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three consecutive years before starting the apprenticeship
• Not on any other training or education programme (e.g. studying towards an apprenticeship or degree)
• Able to travel to work location

If you are aged 18 or under at the point of enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you’ll be enrolled on functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship – this will be optional if you are 19 or over, but we’ll support you to complete when offered. If you have a qualification in the same or a related subject to this apprenticeship or have substantial relevant work experience this may exclude you from Government funding – this will be verified if your application progresses.

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

Flexible working whenever possible

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places