Horticultural Apprenticeship

Company: Kimbolton School
Location: Huntingdon, PE28 0EA
Type: Apprenticeship
Salary: £14,722.50 per year
Sector: Horticulture
Ref: VAC-13921
Application Deadline Date: 04/08/2025
Start Date: 01/09/2025
Positions Available: 1
Working Week: Full-time – 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings) 52 weeks per year. There is a requirement for flexibility with working hours during busy periods and major school events.

Brief Description

Are you looking to kickstart your career in horticulture? Kimbolton School is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join their Grounds team as an Apprentice.

Qualifications Required

To be considered for this role you will ideally need to have GCSE grades 9-3 (A*- D) in English and maths.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for this vacancy but are still interested in an apprenticeship, please contact our dedicated Apprenticeship Recruitment Team who can discuss this with you further - Apprenticeships@Bedford.ac.uk

Personal Qualities

A self-motivated, positive, and proactive attitude.
Genuine interest in Horticulture.
Reliable and committed.
Able to work at heights and to work in all weather conditions.
Willingness to follow Health and Safety procedures including the correct use of personal protective equipment.
Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Able to follow instructions.
Commitment to completing the apprenticeship and earning a formal qualification.
To maintain a smart appearance and to act in a professional manner at all times.
The ability to maintain good working relationships.

Skills Required

Possess good communication skills and able to interact with a wide range of people, including staff, students and visitors.

Training to be Provided

- Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Operative - Horticulture Pathway
- Functional Skills in English and maths if required

Future Prospects

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, there will be a review to discuss future opportunities. Throughout the programme, you will gain the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to progress in a career in horticulture.

Vacancy Detail

Kimbolton School is offering an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to begin a rewarding Apprenticeship in Horticulture. This structured programme combines paid, hands-on work experience with academic learning at a leading horticultural college. You'll gain nationally recognised qualifications while developing practical skills in a supportive and prestigious environment.

Key Responsibilities

As a Horticulture Apprentice, you will:

Assist with general gardening tasks such as planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mowing, and leaf collection.

Learn to maintain a variety of outdoor spaces including lawns, borders, hedges, and ornamental gardens.

Support soft landscaping projects, including turf laying, soil preparation, and planting schemes.

Help prepare and maintain sports pitches and associated facilities.

Contribute to the care and upkeep of gardening tools and equipment, including cleaning and basic repairs.

Follow all safe working practices, ensuring the correct use of tools, machinery, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Develop knowledge of plant identification, soil types, pests, and diseases.

Work outdoors in various weather conditions as required.

Attend college/training days as part of the apprenticeship programme and complete all coursework on schedule.

Other Information

As Kimbolton School is located in a rural area, Please ensure there is the necessary transport links to home and college if you are a non driver.

You will be required to work at heights as well as all weather conditions.

College Attendance will be Shuttleworth College.

Candidates must carry out an initial interview with a member of the Bedford College Apprenticeship Recruitment Team. Please be aware that the closing date is subject to change without prior notice. College attendance will commence September 2025 at Bedford College Please ensure you are able to commute to both the workplace and college.