Apprentice Gardener - University of Oxford Estates Services - University Parks

As an Apprentice Gardener you will gain hands-on experience in a variety of horticultural activities as well as receiving formal college based training to industry standards.

You will learn to carry out all forms of garden maintenance, grass and turf care, plant propagation, hard and soft landscaping. The department holds an extensive plant collection, which you will have the opportunity to work with. There is an extensive range of horticultural equipment that you will be taught to use in the course of the apprenticeship. 
 
We take pride in what we do and work on a wide range of sites, some of which are the most idyllic in Oxford and are appreciated and admired by many.  
 
The Apprentice Gardener position is the gateway to a successful and rewarding career in professional horticulture. 

Responsibilities: 

During the course of the Apprenticeship you will learn the following aspects of horticulture: 

Grounds maintenance – under supervision you will learn mechanical weed control, border maintenance, cultivations, sweeping, litter collecting and hedge trimming, basic site clearance Supervised by experienced colleagues you will learn use of power equipment for mowing to include cylinder, rotary and flail mowers both ride on and pedestrian, and cultivators and power hand tools Identification of a broad range of plants, your knowledge will increase over the course of the apprenticeship 

As you become more experienced you will: 

Learn more detailed border maintenance, pruning, staking, and hedge maintenance Develop your knowledge of grass maintenance to include scarification, topdressing and over seeding, aeration, turf laying and lifting, selective weed-killing and moss control, as well as developing knowledge and skills around landscape work, general weed-killing and nursery work

The University Parks team has care of the University Parks and all the University’s green functional estate. This includes the open spaces around all University departmental buildings. University Parks also runs a substantial contract business that accounts for at least half of all activity. 

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:
Our apprentices are never on their own and you will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their Apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career

Employer Description:

We are the largest employer in Oxfordshire with around 17,000 staff working in and around Oxford in a huge range of roles. Our apprentices are never on their own and will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region. We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.

Working Hours :
Please note, this is an 18 month apprenticeship within a 2 year fixed term contract. Monday - Friday / regular daytime hours to be agreed.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Customer care skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Patience,Physical fitness,Strong interest in gardening,Willingness to learn,Interest in plant growth