At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Gardens Team to maintain and enhance beautiful landscapes in historic Cambridge.
- Company: Trinity Hall, a friendly and supportive college with a rich history.
- Benefits: Earn £24,785pa, enjoy pension benefits, and gain hands-on horticultural experience.
- Other info: Full-time apprenticeship with structured learning and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Learn practical gardening skills while working outdoors in stunning surroundings.
- Qualifications: Passion for gardening, good communication skills, and a reliable work ethic.
The predicted salary is between 24785 - 24785 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join Trinity Hall's friendly and creative Gardens Team as an Apprentice Gardener. Working across the College's beautiful and historic gardens, you will play an active role in maintaining and enhancing landscapes of a standard comparable with the very best Cambridge colleges. Trinity Hall has three main sites: one in the heart of historic Cambridge, a second on Thompsons Lane, and the largest, Wychfield Site on Storey's Way. Wychfield will be your primary base, and free parking is available.
As part of the Gardens Team, you will assist with the care and development of a wide variety of landscaped areas, including lawns, borders, trees, shrubs and cultivated planting schemes. This hands-on role offers an excellent opportunity to learn practical horticultural skills while contributing to the upkeep of exceptional gardens enjoyed by students, staff and visitors. Your apprenticeship will combine workplace experience with structured learning, including the required 20% off-the-job training. Some training will take place at other University of Cambridge gardens, providing valuable exposure to a range of horticultural environments and specialist expertise.
With support from both the College's experienced Gardens Team and your training provider, you will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to successfully complete your apprenticeship and build a rewarding career in horticulture.
What We Offer- A 2-year fixed term apprenticeship, as a full-time position within a supportive and friendly team.
- Remuneration will be £24,785pa plus pension and benefits. There will be a four-month probationary period.
- Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, including day release for study.
- Competitive Employees' Benefits.
- A candidate who is passionate about gardening with good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Enthusiasm for working outdoors in all weathers.
- Someone reliable, hardworking, creative and self-motivated to study and complete course work.
- To work effectively with other members of the gardens team.
- To maintain and cultivate a wide range of plants, trees and shrubs in all areas of the gardens including the greenhouse and nursery.
- To be trained in the safe operation and basic maintenance of a wide range of garden tools and machinery, including mowers, hedge trimmers, strimmers and hand tools.
- To work in a safe manner, complying with current health and safety legislation.
Further details about this position can be found in the further particulars. Interviews will take place: Week beginning 17 August 2026.
The College is committed to the principle and practice of equal opportunities and aims to be an equal opportunities employer. The College’s employment policy seeks to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on any grounds that are unjustified in terms of equality of opportunities for all.
Apprentice Gardener in Cambridge employer: Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall offers an exceptional working environment for a Chef de Partie, where culinary tradition meets modern excellence in the heart of Cambridge. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive team culture, you will enjoy competitive benefits and the opportunity to contribute to a prestigious college known for its high culinary standards. Join us to create outstanding dining experiences while enjoying a balanced work-life with alternate weekends off.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Gardener in Cambridge
✨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 Trinity Hall.
✨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 Trinity Hall. 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 Trinity Hall.
✨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 Apprentice Gardener in Cambridge
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 Trinity Hall
✨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 Trinity Hall.
✨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 Trinity Hall. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
