At a Glance
- Tasks: Get hands-on with plants, from propagation to maintenance, in a vibrant nursery environment.
- Company: Join Whiting Landscape Limited, a respected name in commercial landscaping.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a recognised qualification and supportive team.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities await after your apprenticeship!
- Why this job: Dive into the world of horticulture and grow your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: A passion for plants and a strong work ethic are essential.
The predicted salary is between 15750 - 19250 £ per year.
- Apprentice Horticulture Nursery Operative
- WHITING LANDSCAPE LIMITED
- Closes in 12 days (Monday 17 August 2026 at 11:59pm)
As an Apprentice Nursery Operative, based at Whiting Landscape Limited in Bromsgrove, you'll support the day-to-day running of the nursery, gaining hands‑on experience in plant production, health, preparation and maintenance while working towards a recognised apprenticeship qualification.
Training course Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Hours Working onsite, your hours will be 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday, and you will attend college for one week every 2-months with both on and ‘off the job’ learning support in-between.
- 40 hours a week
- Monday 7 September 2026
- Duration
- 2 years
- Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.
What you'll do at work
Assisting with propagation, potting, spacing and growing shrubs
Carrying out plant care tasks such as
- Watering and feeding
- Pruning and maintenance
- Monitoring plant health
- Helping prepare plants for sale and dispatch
- Maintaining clean and organised nursery areas
- Learning to use tools and equipment safely
- Supporting stock movement and general nursery operations
- Following all Health & Safety and environmental standards
- Where you'll work
- Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
- Training provider
- WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE
- Training course
- Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
- (Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies.
Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
- (Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
- (Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
- (Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
- (Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.
- (Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
- (Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
- (Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
- (Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
- (Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
- (Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
- (Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
- (Core) Install turf for situation.
- (Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
- (Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
- (Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.
- (Landscape construction) Measure and set out an uncomplicated site in preparation for landscape construction activities.
- (Landscape construction) Use free hand cutting and or bench cutting of hard landscape materials using abrasive wheels.
- (Landscape construction) Repair constructed landscape features (simple and noncomplex) for example re-grouting, re-sanding, damaged fencing.
- (Landscape construction) Construct paved feature for example path, patio or shed base. Including setting levels, sub bases, laying bases, finishing.
- (Landscape construction) Construct vertical landscape features including fences, ornamental vertical features, and walls.
- (Landscape construction) Install drainage in landscaping.
- (Landscape construction) Construct horizontal landscape features (excluding paving).
- (Horticulture) Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil.
- (Horticulture) Provide aftercare to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use.
- (Horticulture) Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics.
- (Horticulture) Maintain soft landscapes for example - staking or support, division, seasonal clearance, and re‑planting.
- (Horticulture) Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens, and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents).
- (Horticulture) Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs).
- (Horticulture) Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form).
- (Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies.
Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
- (Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
- (Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
- (Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
- (Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.
- (Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
- (Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
- (Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
- (Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
- (Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
- (Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
- (Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
- (Core) Install turf for situation.
- (Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
- (Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
- (Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.
Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2.
Working onsite, your working hours will be 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday, and you will attend college in Pershore for one week every 2-months with both on and ‘off the job’ learning support in-between.
Requirements
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Initiative
- Genuine interest in plants
- Strong work ethic
- Reliable & punctual
- Other requirements
Please note, we’re based in a semi-rural location, so the ability to get to and from work without using public transport will be useful.
About this employer
Whiting Landscape Limited, a trusted Commercial Landscaping Company, based in Catshill, Bromsgrove, is offering an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Horticulture Nursery Operative to join the team.
Based on site with Burcot Lane Nurseries, co‑located at our Wildmoor Lane Head Office, the Nursery has a strong reputation for shrub growing expertise and excellent production techniques.
- Hands‑on experience in professional shrub production
- Support from an experienced, friendly team
- Be part of a respected, quality‑focused nursery
- Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long‑term health condition.
This includes non‑visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
- On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you could become a Nursery Operative with potential progression to Supervisor
- You could also become a Landscape Operative carrying out landscape maintenance on client sites, either locally or further afield
- This could lead to the role of Foreman, then Supervisor, or even Contracts Manager
The contact for this apprenticeship is
- WHITING LANDSCAPE LIMITED
- Lisa Smith lisa. smith@whitinglandscape. co. uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000043382.
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Apprentice Horticulture Nursery Operative in Bromsgrove employer: Worcestershire County Council
Ragamuffins Nursery is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive environment for aspiring childcare professionals. With a strong commitment to employee growth, apprentices will gain invaluable hands-on experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification in Early Years Education. Located in the picturesque setting of Redditch, our team fosters a collaborative work culture that values creativity and initiative, ensuring that every apprentice feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in children's lives.
Contact Details:
Worcestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Horticulture Nursery Operative in Bromsgrove
✨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 Worcestershire County Council.
✨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 Worcestershire County Council. 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 Worcestershire County Council.
✨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 Horticulture Nursery Operative in Bromsgrove
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 Worcestershire County Council
✨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 Worcestershire County Council.
✨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 Worcestershire County Council. Share any instances where you took the initiative to learn, whether through volunteering or extra courses.
