Horticultural Apprentices - Ventnor Botanical Garden *Two apprenticeship positions available* in Newport

Here at The Isle of Wight College, we’re proud to partner with a wide network of dynamic employers across a diverse mix of industries. We’re excited to share TWO Horticultural Apprenticeship Vacancies now open for applications at Ventnor Botanic Garden.

Welcome to Ventnor Botanic Garden. The garden is internationally recognised for its remarkable microclimate—often described as the warmest in the UK—which allows a diverse range of subtropical and Mediterranean plants to thrive outdoors. With temperatures averaging around 5°C higher than much of mainland Britain, the garden supports thousands of rare and exotic species from regions such as Australia, South Africa, and the Mediterranean. Today, Ventnor Botanic Garden is operated as a Community Interest Company (CIC), combining horticultural excellence with education, conservation, and visitor experience.

The garden showcases plants arranged by geographical regions to reflect their natural habitats, creating an immersive and educational environment for visitors. It also plays an important role in climate change research, demonstrating how plant species may adapt to future UK conditions. In addition to its plant collections, the garden offers a range of visitor attractions including guided tours, educational programmes, a café and restaurant, and accommodation.

As both a tourist destination and a centre for horticultural innovation, Ventnor Botanic Garden continues to be a leading example of sustainable and forward‑thinking gardening in the UK. They are now looking to recruit TWO Horticulture apprentices into the business, which is a fantastic opportunity for individuals eager to start a career in the industry.

The Horticultural apprentices will get the opportunity to work in all areas of the gardens and will gain experience and training completing the below tasks:

• Watering
• Plant Sales and the two nurseries
• Weeding, pruning, mowing (both pedestrian and ride‑on)
• Hedge cutting
• Seed sowing and pricking out
• Edging lawns
• Planting, leaf blowing and collection
• Strimming
• Tractor driving
• Hitching trailers
• Mulching
• Plant identification
• Occasionally travelling to private gardens on the island with other experienced colleagues

Essential Skills and Qualities:

• A keen interest in plants, horticulture, hand skills and physical fitness is essential
• Ability to work in all‑weather climates
• Willingness to learn and develop practical skills
• Good attention to detail
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Ability to work as part of a team

Desirable (but not essential):

• Driving licence
• Basic gardening skills or qualifications would be desirable to support your application

Working Hours:

37.5 hrs a week Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. Weekends on rota ½ day Saturday & ½ day Sunday with day in lieu (between April and September)

Wage: £8 per hour to begin with

Qualifications required:

• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English & Maths (or equivalent qualification)
• Willingness to work towards these subjects as Functional Skills if not previously achieved the equivalent grade

Apprenticeship Standard:

Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship 24‑to‑30‑month apprenticeship programme. Alongside your practical daily work, you’ll take part in off‑the‑job training hours—dedicated time within your working week to develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours through any new/online learning and attendance at The Isle of Wight College. Weekly attendance at The Isle of Wight College from September.

If you're looking to begin a career in a fast‑paced industry within a truly unique environment, we’d be delighted to hear from you! Please do not contact the company directly, all applications must be made through www.isleofwightjobs.com.

Additional Information:

The current National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for apprentices is £7.55 per hour. The Minimum Wage for Apprentices applies to time spent on the job plus time spent training. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.

Once qualified and dependent on needs of the business at the time of apprenticeship completion, there will be the potential to grow within the company and become part of a skilled workforce as a permanent employee. Your details will be processed in accordance with GDPR.

So, if this sounds like the next, or indeed first step you want to take with your career, then please apply with a cover letter and CV telling us why you feel you would be the ideal person to take on this brilliant opportunity!