At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain beautiful sports pitches and gardens while learning practical skills outdoors.
- Company: Join St Edmund's College, a leading independent school with a supportive grounds team.
- Benefits: Gain industry-recognised qualifications, mentorship, and access to stunning college facilities.
- Other info: Enjoy a structured apprenticeship with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Start your career in grounds maintenance and make a real impact in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24044 - 29388 £ per year.
Location: St Edmund's College, Ware, Hertfordshire
Contract Type: Apprenticeship / Trainee – Full-time for a fixed period of employment with the possibility of a permanent position.
Salary: In line with National Minimum Wage
Start your career in grounds maintenance at one of the UK's leading independent schools. St Edmund's College is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Apprentice / Trainee Groundsperson to join our experienced grounds team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to develop practical skills while contributing to the upkeep of our beautiful historic grounds and extensive sports facilities.
About the Role
As an Apprentice / Trainee Groundsperson, you will assist in the day-to-day maintenance and preparation of the College's sports pitches, gardens, and outdoor areas. You will work alongside skilled grounds staff with the option to study towards a Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship.
Main duties include:
- Assisting with the preparation and maintenance of sports pitches (including rugby, football, cricket, and athletics).
- Helping with mowing, line marking, and general grounds presentation.
- Learning to operate and maintain a range of grounds machinery safely.
- Supporting planting, pruning, and seasonal landscaping tasks.
- Ensuring all work is carried out to high standards of safety and presentation.
About You
We're looking for someone who:
- Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Has a positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills.
- Works well as part of a team and takes pride in their work.
- Has good attention to detail and reliability.
- Holds (or is willing to work towards) a full UK driving licence (desirable but not essential).
No previous experience is required – just enthusiasm, commitment, and a genuine interest in grounds or horticultural work.
We Offer
- A structured apprenticeship training programme (optional).
- Full support from experienced mentors.
- Opportunities to gain industry-recognised qualifications.
- A beautiful and inspiring working environment within the College grounds.
- Staff benefits and access to College facilities.
Whilst not in a teaching role, as an apprentice groundsperson you will be working on a regular basis in a school in a role which gives opportunity for contact with children. As such, you will be in regulated activity and an enhanced DBS check (which includes children's barred list information) will be required in advance of appointment. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. As with all College staff members, you will therefore be responsible for providing a safe environment in which children can learn.
If you would like to apply, please complete an application by the closing date.
Closing date for applications: Midday, Wednesday 25th November 2026
Interviews to take place: As soon as possible after the closing date. Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date, and we reserve the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made.
Telephone: 01920 824335
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo relevant Safeguarding Checks. We may seek references on short-listed candidates that will include questions about past disciplinary actions or allegations in relation to behaviour with children and may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications before interview. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Apprentice/Trainee Groundsperson in Guildford employer: St Edmund's College
Join our vibrant educational community as a Part-time Administrator, where you will play a crucial role in supporting our Executive Team. We offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, with flexible hours that allow for a healthy work-life balance. Located within a school environment, this position not only provides meaningful engagement with students and staff but also ensures you contribute to a safe and nurturing atmosphere for learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice/Trainee Groundsperson in Guildford
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Apprenticeships in agriculture are all about practical skills, so jump at any chance to volunteer or get involved on local farms. Attend open days or agricultural shows in your area to meet professionals and learn hands-on techniques—it's a fantastic way to show your enthusiasm and learn about what different roles entail.
✨Join Agricultural Communities
Look for local farming or agricultural clubs and networks, as these are great for meeting like-minded people and industry veterans. Platforms like Facebook often have groups dedicated to agriculture where you can ask questions and seek guidance—plus, they might have job leads specifically for apprenticeships.
✨Take Initiative with Local Farms
Don't wait for job postings—reach out directly to farms in your area. Offer to help with seasonal tasks or internships, and when the time comes for them to take on apprentices, they might remember your initiative and commitment. Personal connections can make all the difference in securing that apprenticeship.
✨Apply Directly through St Edmund's College
When you're ready to apply, head over to our website to see any apprenticeship opportunities with St Edmund's College. Our application process is straightforward, and showing your interest by applying directly is a great way to stand out—plus, you might just land that apprenticeship to kick-start your career in agriculture!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice/Trainee Groundsperson in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Agriculture:When applying for an apprenticeship in agriculture, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about any farming experiences, courses you've taken, or projects you’ve been involved in that got you excited about this field. Don't hold back on what drives you – genuine passion can make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Studies:Make sure to emphasise any relevant skills or knowledge from your studies that relate to agriculture. This could include anything from understanding crop cycles to machinery operation. If you've got any practical skills, like operating farm equipment or conducting soil tests, be sure to mention those, as they’ll show you're ready to dive into hands-on learning.
Tailor Your CV to Agriculture:Your CV should reflect your journey in agriculture so far. Include any specific coursework, projects, or volunteer work related to farming or environmental science. We love seeing a tailored CV that speaks to the apprenticeship role, so ensure it demonstrates your eagerness to learn and grow in this field.
Be Clear About Your Learning Goals:In your cover letter, take some time to outline what you hope to learn through this apprenticeship. Being specific about your goals will show St Edmund's College that you’re committed to your personal development and that you’ve put thought into how this opportunity fits into your career plans. Let’s make sure they know you’re ready to soak up all the knowledge you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Edmund's College
✨Know Your Crops
Brush up on the specific crops or livestock relevant to the apprenticeship at St Edmund's College. Understanding their growing cycles, care requirements, and common challenges can really impress your interviewers. Consider bringing up any personal experiences or coursework related to agriculture that highlights your knowledge!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is an apprenticeship, they’ll likely be interested in your practical skills. Be prepared to discuss any previous work you've done in agriculture or related fields. If you’ve participated in farm volunteer work or projects, make sure to highlight that experience to show your dedication and foundational skills.
✨Ask About the Tools
Don't shy away from asking questions about the tools and technologies used at St Edmund's College. Familiarity with common agricultural tools and practices can set you apart from others, so ask about the equipment they use and express your interest in learning to use them effectively during your apprenticeship.
✨Show Your Passion for Learning
As you’re vying for an apprenticeship, demonstrating your eagerness to learn is key. Share your motivation for wanting to get into agriculture, whether it's a family background, school projects, or just a love for the outdoors. Letting your enthusiasm shine through will make you memorable in the selection process!
