At a Glance
- Tasks: Support customers in horticulture and catering while learning new skills.
- Company: Join a friendly, family-owned group of garden centres.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, generous holiday, and a wealth of learning opportunities.
- Other info: Travel between 17 centres and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in horticulture or catering with hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for plants or food and a desire to learn.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 € per year.
We are offering fantastic catering and horticultural opportunities to local apprentices to join a successful customer focused company which is creative, fast paced and friendly. It is important to us to have employees that are knowledgeable and experienced in the workplace. Whether that’s meeting our high standards of horticultural excellence or cooking mouth‑watering dishes in the kitchen. We sponsor a number of chef and horticulture apprentices to attend college and complete their qualifications including Commis Level 2, 3 and RHS level 2 and 3. There are many exciting opportunities along the way as well including further in‑house training and centre workshops.
Your primary responsibility will be to provide professional support to our customers. To be successful in this role, we are looking for people who:
- Want a career in Horticulture or Restaurant
- Have a desire to learn new skills and be prepared to put these skills into practice in the workplace
- Are passionate and enthusiastic about plants or food
The role involves traveling between our 17 centres. You must be open to moving centre at short notice.
Squire’s is a family‑owned group of 17 garden centres based in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, and Berkshire. Since 1936 the purpose of our business has been the happiness of those who work in it. We are committed to growing our business and to promoting the highest standards in horticulture, catering, and retail. We want our staff to enjoy working with us in a friendly, energetic customer focused environment.
Rewards & Benefits
- Employee Discount – 50% in Restaurants and 20% in Garden Centre on joining, increasing to 25% after 2 years’ service and 30% after 5 years’ service.
- Holiday (including bank holidays) – 5.6 weeks on joining increasing to 6.2 week after 2 years’ service and 6.6 weeks after 5 years’ service.
- Bonus – We reward our employees with a non‑contractual bonus at Christmas, based on the profit of the company in any financial year (first year is dependent on start date).
- Pension – We offer a Defined Contribution Pension Plan to new employees.
- Attendance – After one years service, if you have worked for a full financial year and have 100% attendance, one day holiday (pro‑rata) will be added to your holiday grant as a 'Thank you'.
- Made A Difference Scheme (M.A.D) – A reward scheme for team members who make a difference to our business through outstanding customer service.
- Learning & Development – You can look forward to a wealth of learning opportunities with us that will enhance and develop you with the skills and confidence you need.
- Birthday – After 6 months service if your birthday falls on your contracted day to work, you can leave work early.
- Cycle2work scheme – After 1 years service, a government initiative which offers a saving on new cycling equipment.
- Child's first day at school – After 1 year's service come in late and go home early on your child's first day of school life.
- RHS Membership or a Tree / Shrub – After 1 years service Squire's employees can choose either one tree or shrub to plant each year.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – After 2 years service employees are eligible to join an EAP.
- Retirement – After 15 years service if you are retiring and have over 15 years service, your contracted hours will be reduced by a fifth but your pay will remain the same for your final 3 months.
- Free Parking – Available to all employees in the designated parking areas on our site.
Horticultural - Apprentice employer: Squires Garden Centre
Squire's is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and satisfaction. With generous benefits such as extensive holiday allowances, substantial discounts, and a commitment to professional development through sponsored training, we ensure our apprentices thrive in their horticultural or culinary careers. Our family-owned ethos fosters a friendly environment where every team member can make a meaningful impact while enjoying the perks of working across our beautiful garden centres in Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, and Berkshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticultural - Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Squire’s and their values. This will help you show your passion for horticulture and customer service, making you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to horticulture and customer service. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role, so you can share real examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Make sure you look professional but also comfortable. You want to show that you’re ready to jump into the fast-paced environment at Squire’s while still being approachable and friendly.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticultural - Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for horticulture or cooking shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity and ready to learn.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Whether it’s a love for plants or culinary skills, we want to know how you fit into our friendly, fast-paced environment.
Be Professional Yet Friendly:While we love a casual vibe, remember to keep your tone professional. A friendly approach in your writing can help us see your personality and how you might connect with our customers.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Squires Garden Centre
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common plants, gardening techniques, and any recent trends in the industry. This will show your passion and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Show Off Your Culinary Curiosity
If you're interested in the restaurant side of things, be prepared to discuss your favourite dishes or cooking experiences. Mention any relevant skills or courses you've taken that relate to food preparation or presentation.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Flexibility
Since the role involves travelling between centres, highlight your willingness to adapt and move as needed. Share any past experiences where you successfully adjusted to new environments or challenges.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Whether it's in a retail setting or another job, showing that you understand the importance of customer satisfaction will resonate well with the interviewers.
