At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and enhance green spaces, making a real difference in the community.
- Company: Onward, a company dedicated to creating welcoming environments.
- Benefits: Earn £25,877.80 per year, enjoy 40 days of paid holiday, and access flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy volunteering days, discounts, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, develop skills, and gain a Level 2 qualification in Landscape and Horticulture.
- Qualifications: Must have 4 GCSEs including Maths and English; a driving licence is required by apprenticeship end.
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, a total of 40 days paid holiday per annum which is equivalent to 8 weeks.
Salary Finance - access both short and long terms loans, plus provides access to 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 great flexible working environment, with a range of family friendly policies. Simply Health cash plan with financial benefits and the option to extend to your family. Cover includes dental, optical, physiotherapy, 24HR private GP access and much more. Paid leave for absence including sickness, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. Access of up to £150 annually through the ‘Learning for life’ scheme. Access to a wide range of discounts and cash back offers, ranging from retail and automotive to holidays and cycle to work scheme. Develop your career with support and access to training and qualifications. 2 paid half days volunteering per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to start or build your career in ground maintenance while making a real difference to the communities we serve. As part of our team, you’ll play a hands-on role in maintaining and enhancing our green spaces, helping to create attractive, safe and welcoming environments for our customers to enjoy every day. From routine maintenance to improvement projects, your work will have a visible impact across our schemes and estates. Alongside your day-to-day role, you’ll also be supported to develop your skills and knowledge through a Level 2 Landscape and Horticulture qualification with Skills England, giving you a strong foundation for a long-term career in the sector. If you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in high-quality work, and want to learn and grow in a supportive environment, this could be the perfect role for you.
Entry Requirements
- Must have the right to work in England & spend at least 50% of their working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship.
- Must be a citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or have the right of abode in the UK AND have been ordinarily resident in the EEA for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning.
- Typically, an applicant will have attained a minimum of 4 GCSE grades D/E or 2/3 including both Maths and English. Functional Skills Level 1 will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs.
- A full UK driving license is mandatory to be achieved by the end of the apprenticeship.
Key Responsibilities
- Delivery: To assist in undertaking site-based grounds maintenance and horticultural related tasks on estates and schemes to Onward specifications and agreed timescales. To assist in carrying out grass cutting, shrub pruning, weed control and the removal of litter along with responsive ad-hoc estate work as required e.g., fly tip removal, graffiti cleansing or target hardening.
- Customer Service: As a front facing ambassador for the company, act in a professional manner while upholding Onward values, aims and objectives.
- Quality: Deliver works to a high standard consistently.
- Records: Ensure all works reporting and safety procedures are followed, and record keeping is both accurate and professional.
- Health and Safety: Help ensure all work is to the highest standards of health and safety and assist with the promotion of a positive safety-first culture. Ensure all operations are compliant with industry legislation.
- Work equipment: Assist with routine maintenance checks of plant, equipment, and machinery. Ensure the safety and security of assigned machinery and equipment is maintained.
Skills/Experience
- Interest in grounds maintenance and gardening.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Good communication skills – written and verbal.
- The ability to demonstrate great teamwork.
- The ability to follow procedures and provide performance data of operations.
Qualifications
- Essential: Minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 including Maths and English OR a Vocational qualification Level 1. NB: English & Maths Functional Skills Level 1 will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs.
- Desirable: Horticulture qualification. Full UK Driving Licence. Experience of working within grounds maintenance or gardening sector. Health and Safety awareness qualification or similar.
Equal Opportunities
We embrace diversity and strive for diverse teams to create an inclusive culture which enables Onward to thrive and be representative of the communities that we serve. We want to ensure that everybody has an opportunity to be part of our recruitment processes and will therefore make reasonable adjustments to accommodate our candidates.
Apprentice Grounds Maintenance Operative in Manchester employer: OnwardHomes
Onward is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary and extensive benefits including 40 days of paid holiday, flexible working arrangements, and access to a comprehensive health cash plan. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to gain a Level 2 Landscape and Horticulture qualification while making a tangible impact on the community through hands-on work in maintaining beautiful green spaces. Join us in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
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 OnwardHomes.
✨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 OnwardHomes. 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 OnwardHomes.
✨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 OnwardHomes
✨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 OnwardHomes.
✨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 OnwardHomes. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
