At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in horticulture while learning essential customer service skills.
- Company: Join Sanctuary Maintenance Contractors, a supportive and inclusive team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible benefits and a focus on your wellbeing and career progression.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in horticulture with a nationally recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: 2 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, plus a passion for horticulture.
The predicted salary is between 15750 - 19250 £ per year.
You will work primarily in the Basildon and Rochford regions as well as other areas of operation in the Southeast.
This opportunity will give you a chance to earn valuable practical experience in Horticulture and enable you to learn the customer service skills needed to build a career in the industry., We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent unlawful working.
A basic Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.
Sanctuary Maintenance Contractors Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.
You’ll work towards a Level 2 nationally recognised qualification in Horticulture.
As well as gaining experience in the workplace, you’ll be supported by 'off-the-job' training at college.
This helps provide a route or pathway to further skills, opportunities, and progression.
All of this will be supported by the team around you, ensuring you are getting the best out of your apprenticeship!
We look for candidates who live and breathe our values; Ambition, Inclusion, Integrity, Quality and Sustainability - and have a willingness to learn, enthusiasm and dedication.
- On top of this, practical skills we are looking for are;
- A minimum of 2 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (or equivalent to), including Maths and English
- A keen interest in horticulture and landscaping
- Enjoy getting stuck into physical work
- Hold a full UK driving license, or be willing to undertake driving lessons with a view to holding a full UK driving license, in order to drive a company vehicle on completion of your apprenticeship
As part of our commitment to making Sanctuary a great place to work, where your wellbeing is of genuine importance, we have developed an attractive employment package.
The package recognises your contribution, supports your physical, mental and financial health and gives you the flexibility to tailor your employee benefits by offering:
- 25 days annual leave
- A pension scheme with employer contributions from Sanctuary
- Life Assurance
- Employee Advice Service including counselling
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Voluntary health plans
- Employee discounts
- Wellbeing support and tools
- Employee recognition scheme
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Apprentice - Horticulture in Essex employer: Sanctuary Group
Sanctuary Maintenance Contractors Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With generous benefits such as up to 30 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and access to wellbeing support, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Working in Sheffield, you will be part of a dedicated team making a meaningful impact on the community while enjoying the advantages of a not-for-profit organisation focused on improving lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice - Horticulture in Essex
✨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 Sanctuary Group.
✨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 Sanctuary Group. 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 Sanctuary Group.
✨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 - Horticulture in Essex
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 Sanctuary Group
✨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 Sanctuary Group.
✨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 Sanctuary Group. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
