Grounds Assistant Apprentice

Main Responsibilities

Report to Head of Grounds regularly to agree work priorities each day.

Maintain grass areas Maintain sports pitches Maintain swimming pool Tend plants, flower beds and pots around the site Sweep outside areas, maintaining a positive tidy environment

Duties will include:

Maintain Grounds Mowing grass areas Maintaining Sports Pitches & Courts Boundaries – hedging and fences trimming Topiary Plant care & pruning Pest & disease control Plant fertilisation Flower bed ongoing management Seasonal pot displays Pruning trees Use grounds machinery and tools Use any provided digital software; including checking emails daily Paths sweep and trim edges Suggest improvements to the garden, pruning, planting, border layout Additional ad hock events and estate duties as directed by the Bursar Maintenance duties are to include both mechanical and manual operations and will cover the broad spectrum of Sport ground Industry maintenance operations Cricket pitch preparation and maintenance; mowing, scarifying, rolling, marking and autumn renovations Football and Rugby Mowing, aeration, scarifying and fertilising; tractor mounted machinery Line marking; Initial setting out and mark and weekly over marking Brushing sand dressed artificial sports pitch Ensuring the swimming pool is maintained appropriately Assisting with the car parking at end of school day Maintain car park areas Pest Control Gardening Landscaping Sports equipment setup – tennis nets/netball posts etc Trimtrail maintenance Maintenance of tractors & Mowers To be on call for any inclement weather conditions, this will require the staff team to carry out gritting to clear snow/ice around site to enable the school to remain open / re-open for teaching staff and students Assist with gritting of the site in icy weather, as per the policy, to keep the site safe and hazard free in icy conditions Support the aims and ethos of the school at all times Set a good example in terms of punctuality, attendance and to observe the school’s dress code Attend INSET days Participate in / support school events where possible e.g. Open Day, School Fete Be proactive in maintaining pupil safety and the safety of others Take part in staff annual review Contribute to the implementation of school policies and procedures Regularly review the school Events Calendar and understand your required involvement Read and understand the school’s Health & Safety Policy a copy of which is held on the s:drive Dealing with queries from suppliers and contractors Reporting matters to the Head of Grounds/Bursar To make decisions about priorities of work Organise priorities – priorities are ever changing

Training:

Delivery model:

Work-based training with your employer Approximately 6 on-site assessment visits per year 20 days college attendance to complete Horticulture Principles and Practice course 4 days portfolio building sessions 1 day college attendance to complete Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid course 2 days college attendance to complete Level 2 PA1 Pesticides course (theory) 2 days college attendance to complete Level 2 PA6 Pesticides course (practical) Level 1 Functional Skills in maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required) Off the job training will count for at least 6 hours a week of an apprentice’s time at work

Qualifications included:

Level 1 Functional Skills in English and maths Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship

End Point Assessment:

Knowledge test Practical assessment Professional discussion

Training Outcome:
This role may become permanent for the right candidate with lots of potential for future career progression and personal development There may also be the opportunity to progress onto a more advanced level apprenticeship

Employer Description:
Independent School day and boarding school for girls ages 3-18.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday, 7.30am to 4.30pm (1.5 hours breaks per day) 25 days holidays & 8 bank holidays

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Team working,Initiative,Physical fitness