At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain green spaces and enhance environments while gaining a Level 2 qualification.
- Company: Join Onward Homes, a leading social housing provider in the Northwest.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 40 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access training, volunteering opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs including Maths and English; interest in gardening is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 25877 £ per year.
We offer a Real Living Wage salary of £25,877.80 per annum. 37 hour per week, 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays total 40 days paid holiday per annum which is equivalent to 8 weeks. Salary Finance – access to short and long term loans and a savings facility. Opportunity to further increase annual leave with service or through the holiday purchase scheme. Immediate entry to our Pension scheme (matched contributions up to 10%). A flexible working environment with family friendly policies. Simply Health cash plan with financial benefits and the option to extend to your family. Covers dental, optical, physiotherapy, 24HR private GP access and more. Paid leave for absence including sickness, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. Access up to £150 annually through the ‘Learning for life’ scheme. Various discounts and cash‑back offers. 2 paid half‑days volunteering per year. Develop your career with support and access to training and qualifications.
In this role you will maintain and enhance our green spaces, create safe and welcoming environments for customers, and support the development of your skills through a Level 2 Landscape and Horticulture qualification with Skills England.
Key Responsibilities- Assist in undertaking site‑based grounds maintenance and horticultural tasks on estates and schemes to Onward specifications and agreed timescales.
- Carry out grass cutting, shrub pruning, weed control, litter removal and responsive ad‑hoc estate work such as fly‑tip removal, graffiti cleansing or target hardening.
- Act as a front‑facing ambassador for the company, upholding Onward values, aims, and objectives.
- Deliver work to a high standard consistently.
- Ensure accurate reporting and adherence to safety procedures; maintain professional record keeping.
- Promote a positive safety‑first culture, ensuring all operations comply with industry legislation.
- Assist with routine maintenance checks of plant, equipment, and machinery, and maintain safety and security of assigned equipment.
- Minimum 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 including Maths and English, or a Vocational qualification Level 1.
- Functional Skills Level 1 in English & Maths accepted as an alternative.
- Desirable: Horticulture qualification, full UK Driving Licence, experience in grounds maintenance or gardening sector.
- Health and Safety awareness qualification or similar.
- Interest in grounds maintenance and gardening.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong teamwork ability.
- Ability to follow procedures and provide performance data of operations.
Onward Homes is one of the largest registered providers of social housing in the Northwest, managing 35,000 properties across the region and building 500 new homes each year. We create positive spaces for customers and an inclusive workspace for colleagues, embracing diversity and offering reasonable adjustments to support our recruitment process.
apprentice-grounds-maintenance-operative in Manchester employer: Onward
Onward Homes is an exceptional employer, offering a Real Living Wage salary and a generous benefits package that includes 32 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, flexible working arrangements, and access to a comprehensive health cash plan. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to gain qualifications in Landscape and Horticulture while working in a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land apprentice-grounds-maintenance-operative in Manchester
✨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 Onward.
✨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 Onward. 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 Onward.
✨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-grounds-maintenance-operative in Manchester
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 Onward
✨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 Onward.
✨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 Onward. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
