Grounds Maintenance Apprentice

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Carry out grass cutting using a combination of strimmers, small and large pedestrian mowers and ride-on mowers including playgrounds Carry out edging-off work to grassed areas using mechanical equipment. Carry out herbicide /pesticide applications. Cut back and prune hedges, shrubs, bushes and low trees using hedge trimmers, loppers, pole-saws, (manual or mechanical), or chain saws, (ground based). Clear all arisings, (grass cuttings, leaf litter, twigs and branches), etc from paths, steps, drives, shrub beds and gardens using mechanical blowers or manually sweeping and raking. Carry out seeding and turfing of grassed areas, planting or re-plating of shrub and flower beds, preparing and sowing wild flower beds and any other horticultural tasks. Litter pick and clear rubbish from landscaped areas, (soft or hard landscaping), in association with other grounds maintenance operations. Carry out all disciplines of grounds maintenance work to empty properties as directed, including clear and tidy gardens if required, as part of the re-let process as set out in the Service Standard. Inspect, clear, tidy, mow, strim and, if necessary, make safe play areas and play equipment, including carrying out minor repairs. Inspect all areas for hazards, damage, defects and graffiti; make safe, carry out minor repairs and/or report any issues. Record work done using manual or digital recording systems and procedures. Report any task which cannot be completed. Carry out basic checks, servicing and maintenance of equipment as specified in the relevant operator’s manual/handbook. Clear snow and ice and apply salt/grit to designated areas as directed. Re-treat wooden benches and other outdoor furniture, carrying out minor repairs in the process.

Training:

You will attend regular off the job training sessions with your tutor and employer. This will be a combination of online and one to one in the workplace. 

Training Outcome:

To progress onto level 3 or gain employment.

Employer Description:
We are one of the largest housing associations in the North of England, managing over 38,000 homes across the North of England We are a non-profit organisation, meaning any money we make is invested back into the company for the benefit of our residents and local communities. In addition to providing quality homes to rent, we also build and manage homes for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Additionally we provide retirement living and Extra Care Housing. Not only do we provide homes, but through our charity, Newground Together, we fund a variety of voluntary and community projects, groups to help improve life and opportunities to work for local people.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday, 37 hours per week, working pattern to be confirmed.

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