APPRENTICE PARK KEEPER

Carry out work as requested by the PKH on a day-to-day basis and in the absence of the PKH as requested by the Governor in Charge of the park and the gardens and /or the clerk The maintenance and improvement of lawns, shrubberies, trees and Almshouse gardens. To include the cutting of hedges and bushes, sweeping paths, erecting and maintaining fencing, maintaining the metal edging of paths, leaf raking, mowing/scarifying/fertilising grass areas, planting and seeding, composting, regular litter picking and gate closing and opening as required The operation and maintenance of a range of ground machinery Tarmac and pathway maintenance including the unblocking of drains, soakaways and gullies, and snow and ice clearance Daily emptying of bins (general and dog waste) and the arrangements for collection and disposal of waste to the highest environmental standards Spray weeding and mechanical/hand weeding of paths as necessary Liaison with contractors on day-to-day operations Assisting in keeping the workstation building and compound in good order (i.e. clean and tidy), and reporting to the PK any remedial or improvement work the postholder considers necessary Sweep the courtyards and walkways to the Almshouses, including clearing cobwebs Clear drains and check soakaways at all Almshouses sites Clear Almshouses/workstation low gutters Sweep laundry rooms at each set of Almshouses In cases of extreme weather conditions, act promptly, fill sandbags, sprinkle salt and assist with all flood defences Any other reasonable ad hoc tasks as required by the PK, the Clerk and the Governor in Charge of Park and Gardens

Training:

Delivery model:

Work-based training with your employer Approximately 12 on-site assessment visits per year Regular meetings with your training coordinator to monitor progress and well-being 14 days of college attendance to complete the Horticulture Principles and Practice course 1 day of college attendance to complete Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid course 2 days of college attendance to complete Level 2 PA1 Pesticides course (theory  2 days of college attendance to complete L2 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 (if required) 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 tests Practical assessment Professional discussion

Training Outcome:

Upon the successful completion of the apprenticeship, the role will become a full-time role.

Employer Description:
Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon is the oldest of Oxfordshire’s charities (Number 205112) and dates from 1553. The Hospital is pre-dated by the Fraternity of the Holy Cross, first documented in 1436 and responsible for building the centrepiece of Christ’s Hospital, the Long Alley Almshouses, in 1446. Christ’s Hospital is also partly derived from the older and smaller charity, the Guild of Our Lady, in existence certainly by 1247, possibly formed substantially earlier. Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon provides assistance to the people of Abingdon through four primary means: 1) The provision of Almshouses to townsfolk who are of good character, over 50 years of age and in need, 2) The support of those referred to the Charity by care agencies by assisting with the purchase of essential items, 3) Educational support to school pupils from Abingdon, 4) The support of local organisations deemed by the Governors to be of benefit to Abingdon townsfolk. The Charity also provides public service to the town by maintaining Albert Park for use by the people of Abingdon and by maintaining the town’s historical Almshouses to the standards required of listed buildings and of comfortable modern living. Christ’s Hospital is a member of The Almshouse Association. Their website can be viewed at http://www.almshouses.org

Working Hours :
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8.30am to 4.30pm 35 HOURS PLUS 1 HOUR UNPAID LUNCH BREAK PER DAY

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