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
✨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 Squires Garden Centre.
✨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 Squires Garden Centre. 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 Squires Garden Centre.
✨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 Horticultural - Apprentice
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 Squires Garden Centre
✨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 Squires Garden Centre.
✨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 Squires Garden Centre. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
