Gardener Apprentice
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Company: Tensor Systems Ltd
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Location: St Neots, PE19 5JY
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: £18,000.00 per year
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Sector: Horticulture
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Ref: VAC-14766
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Application Deadline Date: 04/10/2026
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Start Date: 12/10/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm (with some Saturdays as overtime) / (30 minute unpaid lunch break)
Brief Description
Are you passionate about plants, enjoy practical work and don’t mind working outdoors in all weathers? Tensor Systems Ltd in St Neots are looking for a Level 2 Horticulture Apprentice to help maintain and manage their landscaped gardens.
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 - rstevens@bedford.ac.uk or 01234 291742
Personal Qualities
- Hardworking and enthusiastic about gardens and plants
- Take pride in their work and able to follow instructions
- Be reliable and be able to get to Hail Weston House each day
- Able to attend Shuttleworth College 1 day per week
- Dedicated
Skills Required
- Be physically fit and able to undertake outside work in gardens
- Have a keen interest in horticulture, gardens and working outside
- Have an interest in learning and understanding plants
- Are self-motivated and can be trusted to work on their own
- Have a keen interest to become a professional gardener
Training to be Provided
- Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Operative - Horticulture Pathway
- Functional Skills in English and maths if required
Future Prospects
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, there will be an opportunity to progress into a professional gardener role within the organisation.
Vacancy Detail
Tensor is a British technology company with over 40 years of experience designing and manufacturing innovative solutions for security, workforce management and energy efficiency.
As a Garden Apprentice, you will work alongside the experienced gardening team at Hail Weston House, which is set within approximately five acres of established gardens in Cambridgeshire. This apprenticeship will provide you with valuable, practical experience across a wide range of horticultural activities while working towards your Level 2 Horticulture qualification.
Initially, you will develop your core horticultural skills and knowledge, spending most of your time working across the main grounds and plant beds. You will learn how to care for a variety of plants and gain an understanding of the day-to-day work required to keep the gardens healthy, well maintained and attractive. You will work alongside experienced gardeners, learning the basic principles of plant care and garden maintenance, as well as developing your understanding of how to use and maintain horticultural tools and equipment safely. You will also spend time working in the greenhouses, gaining experience of growing and caring for plants in a controlled environment. Your duties will include weeding, planting, hedge cutting, maintaining plant beds and assisting with general seasonal garden maintenance.
As you progress, you will develop greater confidence, knowledge and independence and will be given increased responsibility within the gardens. You will have the opportunity to manage designated areas and take responsibility for plant material, allowing you to put the knowledge and practical skills gained during your first year into practice. You will continue to develop your experience within the greenhouses, caring for and maintaining plants while learning more about propagation, cultivation and ongoing plant care.
Your responsibilities will also expand to include grass cutting, lawn maintenance, strimming and the general upkeep of grassed and landscaped areas. You will carry out a variety of seasonal gardening tasks and work both independently and as part of the wider gardening team to ensure the grounds are maintained to a high standard.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will receive guidance and support from experienced gardeners while developing the practical skills, horticultural knowledge and confidence required to pursue a successful career in the horticulture industry.
Other Information
The role is based at Hail Weston House, where there is limited access to public transport, so applicants will need to be able to travel to and from the workplace independently, with access to a car being essential.
The apprenticeship is a physically demanding role involving regular weeding, planting and general garden maintenance. You will be working outdoors throughout the year and will need to be comfortable working in a range of weather conditions. The role involves periods of hard physical work and requires a good level of fitness and stamina.
Occasional Saturday working will also be required, depending on the needs of the gardens and the season.
Candidates must attend an initial interview with a member of the Bedford College Apprenticeship Recruitment Team, if they meet the initial criteria, as part of the recruitment process. Only candidates who have fully completed the application will be considered. Please be aware that the closing date is subject to change without prior notice.