Apprentice

Do you enjoy working outdoors? Looking for a career where you can learn new skills, gain qualifications and earn while you learn? If so, we would love to hear from you. We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Grounds Maintenance Team as an Apprentice. Working within a busy operational environment, you will gain hands‑on experience across a wide range of horticultural and arboricultural activities. Duties will include:

• Grass cutting and lawn maintenance
• Shrub and hedge pruning
• Hedge cutting
• Tree and arboricultural support activities
• General grounds maintenance duties
• Working safely and effectively as part of a professional team

No two days are the same, and you'll have the opportunity to work in some of the New Forest's beautiful outdoor spaces while developing practical skills and experience. We aim to foster a culture where people feel confident to share ideas, contribute their expertise, and develop through meaningful conversations with their managers and supported learning opportunities. Whilst we have our corporate values, we understand that different teams work in different ways, and we want our values to be lived in ways that make sense locally while staying true to our shared purpose as an organisation. We want colleagues to thrive, which is why we promote wellbeing, balance, and opportunities for learning and progression. Our values guide how we work together and how we support each other to be confident, capable, and adaptable.

Please note: You'll likely be aware that as part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the current organisation will transition into a new operating structure from 1 April 2028. It is important that applicants understand how this may affect their employment should they be successful. You will find attached a useful LGR update sheet at top of this advert.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use AI tools to assist with completing their application. Please bear in mind it's important that your application remains an accurate and honest reflection of your own skills, experience, and achievements. Please ensure that any content generated or supported by AI truly represents you and your capabilities, as this will form the basis of our assessment throughout the recruitment process.

This post requires an Enhanced DBS check to be completed. You must include details and dates of 'spent' convictions, cautions and reprimands and final warnings.

We're looking for someone who:

• Enjoys working outdoors in all seasons
• Has a positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Works well as part of a team
• Is reliable, motivated and keen to develop new skills
• Ideally has three GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths

At NFDC we recognise that every colleague - whether in operational, frontline, or office-based roles - plays a vital part in delivering high-quality services to our communities. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued for the work they do and the strengths they bring. Preference will be given to applicants who live or work within the New Forest District.

Earn While You Learn

An apprenticeship offers the perfect blend of practical experience and formal training. You'll earn a salary while gaining valuable workplace skills and working towards a nationally recognised qualification. This two-year apprenticeship combines on-the-job training, guidance and support from experienced colleagues with external training delivered by Sparsholt College. Upon successful completion, you will achieve a Level 2 qualification in Horticulture. Support will be provided towards travel costs for attendance at off-site training sessions at Sparsholt College, Winchester. What's in it for you?

Benefits

• Year 1: £10.85 per hour, Year 2: and any subsequent years £12.71 per hour.
• 23 days plus bank holidays, rising by an additional week's leave after 5 years of continuous local authority service (days leave are given on our current
• Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
• Employee Assistance Programme offering free 24/7 legal, financial, and personal wellbeing advice
• Employee discount scheme with savings across major supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, and leisure providers
• Cycle to Work Scheme, helping you save around 40 percent on bikes and accessories
• A values-led organisation, guided by our LEAF values (Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness)
• Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth
• A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Group
• LGBTQ+ Network
• Women's Network
• Early Careers Network
• Neurodiversity Network

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.