Apprentice Gardener - Balliol College University of Oxford

We are looking for an apprentice gardener to help a small team maintain and develop garden spaces across several sites for Balliol College, including Broad Street, Holywell Manor and the newer residences of Jowett Walk and Master’s Field.  
 
The team aims to provide a tranquil space for the well-being of students, Fellows and visitors. We aim to develop the plants displays for an extended season of visual interest, and for the benefit of pollinators. 
 
You’ll work with skilled and experienced gardeners to develop your career in horticulture. We will need you to help with regular grounds maintenance at all sites.  
 
Under supervision, you will learn the following:

Mechanical weed control Border maintenance Sweeping leaves and litter collection

You'll learn the safe use of: 

Pedestrian rotary mowers Battery-powered blowers Hedge trimmers Other powered hand tools Ladders (Working at height training)  

 
As you gain experience, you will learn more about plant husbandry and detailed border maintenance, including irrigations, staking, deadheading, pruning and identification of pests and diseases.  
 
There will be opportunities to use the glasshouse to sow seed and grow-on a mixture of hardy and tender plants for displays, as well as develop your plant identification skills. 

Training:

Duration:

15 months practical training period, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment

Delivery model:

Work-based training with your employer Approximately 12 on-site assessment visits per year 14 days college attendance to complete Horticulture Principles and Practice course 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 PA1/PA6 Pesticides Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship

End Point Assessment:

Knowledge test Practical assessment Professional discussion

Training Outcome:
After completion of your apprenticeship, you will be equipped to apply for gardening roles as they arise

Employer Description:
Balliol College is a thriving academic community in the heart of Oxford. It exists to advance education at both undergraduate and graduate levels, to facilitate and to encourage scholarship and research at the very highest levels, and to promote excellence in learning, as one of the colleges within the University of Oxford. Founded in 1263, Balliol is one of Oxford’s oldest colleges; the oldest academic institution in the English-speaking world still on its original site; and almost certainly the oldest co-founded by a woman anywhere. It is also one of Oxford’s largest colleges. Led by the Master, the community consists of about 80 Fellows. Many of these are Tutorial Fellows who, with the College Lecturers, teach around 370 undergraduate students; about the same number of students read for graduate degrees. There are also about 180 non-academic staff. The College is run by those Fellows who form its Governing Body, through a system of committees composed of Fellows, students and staff. Beyond the College walls, but also part of the Balliol community, are its Honorary Fellows and Emeritus Fellows, and the 8,000 or so Balliol alumni.

Working Hours :
Monday- Friday 8.00am- 4.30pm

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Problem solving skills,Team working,Initiative,Patience,Physical fitness