Garden Apprentice - Level 2

Job Description

Summary Grow your career with an Apprenticeship with the National Trust Garden team.Further information on the Apprenticeship Standard Horticulture or landscape operative level 2To apply for this role, please submit a covering letter that introduces yourself and answers the following questions:What do you understand about the Apprenticeship schemeWhat do you know about the National Trust, and what attracts you to this roleWhat skills do you think would be the most important for a Garden ApprenticeThis can lead to an assistant gardener or gardener role and potentially move to an L3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship after the additional experience. What its like to work here We employ more than 600 gardeners, from Apprentices and Assistant Gardeners to Head Gardeners and Garden Managers We care for over 200 gardens and 190 historic parklands reflecting 500 years of UK garden history. Our gardens are home to the largest plantcollection in Europe. Our gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of our gardens and plant collections for an increasing number of members and visitors. We also support peoples access to nature and heritage through partner projectswithin our city centres. Our gardeners are responsible for their care, conservation and regular maintenance to share with our ever expanding audience.Biddulph Grange Garden is a truly remarkable Victorian garden full of themed areas connected by tunnels, steps, and avenues.As such, it offers a huge range of tasks and opportunities to learn various necessary skillswe can cover all garden tasks from precision mowing to achieve straight stripes to preparing 100s of plants for the Dahlia Walk display.Because it is a style known as High Victorian, the presentation of the garden must be immaculate and the garden team work towards this expectation with every task.Although based at Biddulph, we work closely with Wightwick Manor and Moseley Old Hall, the other properties within our portfolio. Click here for more information about this location What youll be doing Youll be working with your Trust Line Manager/ Mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, as part of the wider team, and working outdoors in all weathers. Youll attend, and prepare for, monthly review meetings with your Provider Mentor and be accountablefor your progression concerning the Apprenticeship Standard. Youll be required to complete and upload relevant evidence to the appropriate e-portfolio system to document your progress and maintain timesheets for Off-the-Job training. Youll abide by the Trustsways of working and uphold our Values and Behaviours. Youll be required to complete mandatory e-learning courses and training and prepare for exams if applicable. Youll need to attend six block weeks of training at our nominated college for your garden,with all travel, food and accommodation costs covered.Please also read the complete role profile attached to this advert. Who were looking for Applications will be assessed against the below criteria, as well as the content of your cover letterThe minimum standards required for this role are:Team player with the ability to work independently or as part of a wider teamKeen to learn, be committed to self-development and enthusiastic about acquiring new skillsA genuine passion for gardening, nature and the outdoorsGood attention to detail2 GCSEs at grades D/3 including English and maths or equivalent The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Wherever youre from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from youand it doesnt matter if youre jam first, cream first, or even if you dont like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.