Apprentice Horticulture Estate worker

Purpose of Post:

To work under the guidance of the Estate Worker, Estate Supervisor, and Estate Manager while participating in a structured training program designed to develop practical skills in estate management.

The Apprentice Estate Worker will assist with a range of maintenance tasks around Epping Forest, gaining hands-on experience and formal training to support their progression within the field of environmental and estate management.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Assisting the Estate Worker and Estate Supervisor with day-to-day maintenance tasks, including vegetation control, litter collection, and the upkeep of paths, car parks, and public spaces Learning and participating in the repair and maintenance of Forest assets, such as outdoor furniture (benches, gates, and signage), ensuring high standards of work under supervision Supporting routine groundskeeping activities, including mowing, hedge trimming, and clearing of walkways, while adhering to health and safety guidelines Assisting in the construction, repair, and resurfacing of paths and other infrastructure, under the guidance of senior staff, while developing technical skills in these areas Participating in public events such as tree planting or educational workshops, learning how to help with event setup and support Assisting with incident responses such as fly-tipping removal, minor flood management, and other emergency support tasks, under supervision Supporting routine inspections and checks on Forest facilities, including meter readings and basic inspections of lakes, ponds, culverts, and dams Learning how to safely operate and maintain basic tools and machinery (such as mowers, strimmers, and hand tools) under supervision, ensuring equipment is used and stored safely Assisting with stock checks of materials and tools, reporting issues to the Estate Worker or Supervisor and ensuring proper care of equipment Learning about and applying health and safety regulations, including the preparation of risk assessments, safe working practices, and correct manual handling techniques

Job Description:

Developing communication skills by interacting positively with Forest visitors and team members, learning to provide helpful information and report any concerns to supervisors Gaining knowledge of basic plant and machinery maintenance, learning to maintain records and service logs, and assisting with routine upkeep tasks Actively engaging in a structured training program, attending classroom-based training sessions as well as on-the-job learning, to develop practical skills and knowledge of estate management Gaining experience in promoting the City of London’s Equal Opportunities Policy and supporting inclusiveness across Epping Forest and related activities To undertake any additional duties as required by the Estate Worker, Estate Supervisor, or Estate Manager, appropriate to the apprentice’s training level

Skills & Attributes Required:

Willingness to learn and develop practical estate management skills through both on-the-job training and formal education Ability to follow instructions and work under close supervision in a team environment Enthusiasm for working outdoors and contributing to the maintenance of a natural environment Basic physical fitness and a commitment to working in various weather conditions Interest in developing a knowledge of health and safety standards, including manual handling and risk assessment Good communication skills and a willingness to engage with the public and colleagues A positive, proactive attitude with the ability to adapt to a range of different tasks Commitment to attending and completing all required training sessions and assessments as part of the apprenticeship program

Training:

You will be supported to achieve the Horticulture level 2 apprenticeship. Theoretical training will be delivered by the training provider on a weekly basis. Practical training and support will be given in the workplace allowing you to embed your learning in the working environment. You will receive 6 hours per week to completed course work within your working hours.

Training Outcome:

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, we aim to offer the opportunity to progress to a level 3 apprenticeship, then a permanent role within the team if a position is available. Alternatively, we shall endeavour to secure an alternative position within the City of London Corporation. 

Employer Description:
The school was founded in Brixton in 1854 to provide an education for the orphaned children of the City of London before moving to the present site, Ashtead Park, in 1926. We have a magnificent site with modern buildings alongside the original Main House set in a stunning 57 acres of parkland. This idyllic setting further supports the wellbeing of our students and staff, as being here, in the park, makes coming to work a pleasure. It looks striking in every season, and we are lucky to have a vast array of wildlife living in our woods. Today, Freemen’s is an independent day and boarding school for students aged 7-18, with a strong ethos of community and service in accordance with the values on which the school was founded. We are proudly co-educational and have been since 1854, which was radical at the time, and we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with our forward-thinking, progressive approach. It is the sister school of the City of London School and the City of London School for Girls, which are both independent single-gender schools located within the City of London itself. All three schools receive funding from the City of London Corporation.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:00pm with 45-minute unpaid lunch. Flexibility may be required for business needs.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Non judgemental,Patience,Physical fitness