At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and landscapes while learning essential horticultural skills.
- Company: Join a prestigious independent school on a stunning 250-acre campus.
- Benefits: Earn circa £20,000 per annum with hands-on experience and training.
- Why this job: Perfect for nature lovers wanting to grow their skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade E/2 or above, including Maths and English.
- Other info: Full-time apprenticeship with excellent teamwork and career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 16000 - 24000 £ per year.
Location: Godalming, Surrey
Salary: circa £20,000 per annum
Vacancy Type: Fixed term 24-month apprenticeship: a full-time, all-year round role
Hours: Monday to Friday, 07.30 - 16.30 hours
Closing Date: Friday 21 November 2025
The school is a leading coeducational independent school located on a picturesque 250-acre campus in Surrey. Established in 1611, they are committed to providing an exceptional education that empowers students to achieve their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment. Their core values of kindness and belonging are fundamental to their thriving community.
The Role
The School seeks to appoint an Apprentice Gardener to help undertake the day-to-day maintenance of gardens and amenity areas, in line with the maintenance plan and to ensure high standards are achieved.
Key Responsibilities
- To undertake routine preparation and maintenance of gardens and amenity areas, using sound horticultural practices, to ensure the grounds are highly presentable at all times.
- To undertake a wide range of manual horticultural operations, of a physical nature, to include plant selection, propagation, cultivation, planting and nursery work.
- To operate a range of modern turf machinery, ensuring vehicles and equipment used by yourself and others are regularly maintained, in accordance with routine operating requirements.
- To operate a range of powered hand tools such as strimmers, hedge cutters and lawn mowers.
- To safely move materials and plants around the estate.
- To undertake a range of horticultural operations such as spreading fertiliser (granular or liquid) and weed control.
- To maintain hedges around the estate.
- In autumn/winter ensure leaves are cleared and disposed of.
- To clear snow and apply salt in icy conditions during the winter months.
- To undertake a range of tree and woodland maintenance operations.
- To maintain and repair boundary and internal fences as and when required.
Skills And Qualifications
- Must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade E/2 or above including both Maths and English or a vocational qualification Level 1 plus GCSE Grade E/2 or above in both Maths and English.
- A can-do attitude and a readiness to work.
- Physically fit as this role requires extensive manual handling.
- Able to understand and follow instructions.
- Able to work on own initiative and unsupervised.
- Thrives on attention to detail and a completer-finisher.
- Reliable and trustworthy.
- Enjoys teamwork and is a team player.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable School, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
Apprentice Gardener in Godalming employer: Smiley & Co, Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Smiley & Co, Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Gardener in Godalming
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research their commitment to kindness and belonging, and think about how you can reflect these in your conversations. This will show them you're not just after a job, but you genuinely want to be part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your hands-on skills! Since this role is all about gardening, try to get some experience with tools and equipment. Whether it's at home or through volunteering, being able to talk about your practical experience will give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a chat! When you apply, prepare for potential interviews by thinking about common questions related to teamwork and manual work. Show them your can-do attitude and how you thrive in a team setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows you're keen on the role and ready to take that first step towards becoming an Apprentice Gardener.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Gardener in Godalming
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: Let us know why you love gardening! Share any experiences you've had, whether it's in your own garden or helping out somewhere. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention any skills that relate to the role, like using gardening tools or working as part of a team. We want to see how you can contribute to keeping our beautiful grounds in top shape!
Follow Instructions Carefully: Read the job description thoroughly and ensure your application reflects what we're looking for. Pay attention to details, as this shows you can follow instructions and are serious about the role.
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready, head over to our website to submit your application. It’s the best way to ensure we receive it directly, and we can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiley & Co, Ltd.
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on basic horticultural practices and terminology. Familiarise yourself with common plants, tools, and maintenance techniques that are relevant to the role of an Apprentice Gardener. This will show your genuine interest and readiness to dive into the job.
✨Show Your Can-Do Attitude
During the interview, emphasise your willingness to learn and tackle physical tasks. Share examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated a positive attitude and teamwork, as these qualities align perfectly with the school's core values.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's gardening practices or the types of projects you might work on. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
✨Dress for the Role
While it’s important to look presentable, remember that this is a gardening role. Wear smart-casual attire that reflects your understanding of the job's physical nature. This can help you feel more comfortable and confident during the interview.