Grounds Assistant Apprentice

Preparing the grounds for the start of each term, measuring out and marking pitches (for football, rugby, cricket, tennis, croquet, athletics) and the golf course. Carrying out the sports grounds maintenance programme and general grounds maintenance, including the astro pitch, according to the termly priorities. Scarifying, aeration, fertilising and hedge cutting. Switching over sports equipment according to the season and organising appropriate storage. Mowing the sports grounds, marking out, spring and autumn renovation and erecting posts, nets, cricket frames and tennis posts. Assisting with the basic upkeep and maintenance of mechanical machinery. General school grounds and garden maintenance. Keeping driveways and paths clear and safe in severe weather conditions. Maintaining the benches and scoreboards.

Training:

Training will be provided in the workplace with a minimum of 6 hours per week ‘off the job’ training time. 

You will need attend a Wiltshire College and University Centre training session on teams once a week during term time. Plus attend 10 master classes at major sporting venues in Southern England.  

Training Outcome:

Following successful completion of your apprenticeship you may apply for permanent employment as a Grounds Assistant at the school.

Employer Description:
Summer Fields is a boarding and day school for approximately 320 boys aged 4 to 13 years. The school is situated in Summertown, two miles north of the centre of Oxford and has 70 acres of superb grounds. The school’s motto is “a healthy mind in a healthy body” and as such sport and the grounds facilities are important to the life and success of the school. The school is well resourced and concentrates on football, rugby and cricket for a term each but in addition, there are many minor sports available, including the use of the school’s golf course.

Working Hours :
There are two seasonal rotas ranging from 32.5 hours p/w in the winter to 35 hours p/w in the summer. Summer: Monday- Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm. Winter: Monday- Friday, 7:30am to 3:00pm. A one-hour unpaid lunch break is provided each day.

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