Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship, where we’ll support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to protect historic sites, tackle climate change, and help people and nature thrive. You don’t need experience for this role, just plenty of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.
As one of our Horticulture Apprentices, you’ll be part of our horticulture teams, helping to look after our 224 historic gardens and playing a vital role in delivering our conservation and climate change strategies. Your tasks will include horticultural maintenance, conservation, and care of the gardens to safeguard them for the future.
This role can lead to an Assistant Gardener or Gardener role, and you could potentially move to a Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship after gaining additional experience.
What it's like to work here
Our gardens are heritage sites, home to the most extensive plant collection in Europe. Our gardeners are responsible for conserving and developing these collections and gardens, increasing visitor engagement. You’ll be part of a team caring for these historic gardens in our portfolio.
Your training will include mandatory 5-day college blocks and online learning, with all expenses paid. There will be opportunities to travel to other National Trust locations, including overnight stays, to broaden your experience. You can also join other training events and learn from industry colleagues internally and externally.
Knightshayes Court at Bolham, Tiverton, Devon, is an exceptional garden with formal gardens and extensive woodland gardens. The apprenticeship will focus mainly on the ornamental gardens undergoing restoration. You will be involved in weed management, composting, pruning various trees and shrubs, and assisting with restoration and replanting efforts. Regular plant identification sessions, soil health education, and learning about pests, diseases, and disorders of plants will be part of your training. This is a unique opportunity to learn and work alongside our garden team in this special garden.
What you'll be doing
You will work alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, developing relevant skills and knowledge. You’ll attend and prepare for regular review meetings with your training provider and be responsible for your own progress. Completing mandatory e-learning, courses, and training will be required.
Who we're looking for
In addition to the qualities listed in the role profile, we’d love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date:
* A minimum of 2 GCSEs including English and maths at grade E/2, functional skills level 1, or equivalent (EHCP holders with entry level 3 in English and maths are also eligible).
* Aged 16 or over and have completed Year 11.
* Not in full-time education.
* Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three consecutive years before starting.
* Not enrolled in any other training or education programme (e.g., studying towards an apprenticeship or degree).
* Able to travel to the work location.
If you are aged 18 or under at the start of the apprenticeship and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you will be enrolled in functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship. This is optional if you are 19 or over, but we will support you to complete it.
If you have a qualification or substantial relevant work experience related to this apprenticeship, it may affect your eligibility for government funding – this will be verified if your application progresses.
The package
The National Trust’s motto is ‘For everyone, for ever’. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diversity and aim to reflect and represent the communities we serve. We welcome all applicants.
* Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% of basic salary
* Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest, and your children (under 18)
* Rental deposit loan scheme
* Season ticket loan
* EV car lease scheme
* Perks at work discounts, including gym memberships, shopping discounts, and cinema tickets
* Holiday entitlement of up to 32 days, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to criteria
* Flexible working arrangements where possible
* Employee assistance programme
* Free parking at most Trust locations
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