Grounds Maintenance Operative Apprentice

To support the Estates Manager by ensuring the effective upkeep and maintenance of all Parish Council services and facilities. This includes carrying out a wide range of horticultural, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and general duties across sports turf areas, cemeteries, and Council-owned buildings.

Key Responsibilities:

Perform general horticultural duties, including planting, pruning, weeding, and turf maintenance. Maintain and develop Parish Council landscapes and green spaces. Carry out grounds maintenance across sports facilities, cemeteries, and other public spaces. Undertake general building and facility upkeep tasks as required.
Safely operate a wide range of machinery, tools, and specialist equipment. Ensure all work is completed in accordance with the Parish Council’s Health & Safety policies and other relevant regulations.

The successful candidate will be required to study for a nationally recognised diploma in Horticulture, training for which will be organised by the Council.

 

Training:

You will attend East Durham College's Houghall campus on a day release programme weekly where you will partake in theory-based sessions.

(Core) Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (Ofqual registered) minimum 1-day course (Horticulture Operative) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides OR City and Guilds Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (Horticulture Operative) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Handheld Equipment OR City and Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Handheld Equipment

The qualification you will undertake is the occupational Standard:

ST0225, horticulture or landscape construction operative level 2

An assessor will visit you in the work place every 4 weeks.

Training Outcome:
Possibility of a full-time post upon completion of apprenticeship You will gain satisfaction and self-confidence from knowing your abilities have been successfully assessed against an established national standard The professional qualifications behind the apprenticeship programme and the experience in the horticulture role will provide you with a great opportunity to progress your career with us and explore development opportunities that are available to you. Recruitment process will involve attendance at an assessment day.

Employer Description:
Monk Hesleden Parish Council was established in December 1894 and it serves the village of Blackhall Colliery, Blackhall Rocks, Crimdon, Hesleden, High Hesleden & Monk Hesleden.

Working Hours :
Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm, Friday, 8.30am to 4.00pm. Above are summer working hours which total 39 hours, winter working reduces to 35 hours timing to be confirmed with employer at interview.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Team working,Initiative,Physical fitness,Hard working