Apprentice Horticultural Operative

You’ll gain hands-on experience in a varied outdoor environment, learning practical skills in gardening, grounds maintenance, and customer interaction - all while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Your duties may include:

General horticultural tasks such as planting, pruning, weeding, and maintaining flower beds, rose beds, shrubs, herbaceous borders, grassed areas and sports pitches Grounds maintenance including grass cutting, litter picking, and sweeping, emptying of litter bins Use and maintenance of plant/small machinery such as hand tools, strimmers, mowers, and leaf blowers Internal and external cleaning of buildings, toilets and open spaces Loading and unloading of equipment and materials from vehicles Interacting with members of the public in a polite, respectful, and helpful manner Supporting the preparation and delivery of special events and activities

Cemeteries & Crematoria Only:

Supporting the preparation and delivery of funerals Grave digging (with full training provided)

Training:
As well as working towards a Level 2 qualification in Horticulture, you will learn job-specific skills from experienced colleagues The apprenticeship training will be delivered in the workplace, as you will receive visits from a college assessor The apprenticeship will also include a proportion of 20% Off The Job Training and a robust programme of Mandatory Apprentice Training provided by Sandwell Council to include Fire Awareness, Prevent, Safeguarding, Data Protection & Cyber Security and Equality & Diversity. Council's Apprenticeships team

Training Outcome:
This apprenticeship is a fixed term 24 month contract and at the end you will gain a Level 2 Horticulture Operative Qualification However, the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this apprenticeship will allow you to gain future opportunities in the sector

Employer Description:
Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. For more information about Sandwell Council’s apprenticeship programme and our recruitment process please visit our YouTube channel. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.

Working Hours :
Cemeteries & Crematoria: Monday - Friday (8.00am - 4.30pm) Grounds Maintenance: Monday - Friday (7.00am - 3.00pm)

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience,Physical fitness,Outdoor working,Empathy & Sympathy,Adhere to Health & Safety,Flexible to travel,Wear PPE