Neighbourhood
Horticulture Apprentice – Green Spaces
Fixed Term Contract for up to 24 months
37 hours per week
Point 1 - £15,194 a year – initial salary for all new starters for the first 12 months of the apprenticeship.
Progression of pay after 12 months are complete as follows:
Point 2 - £20,136 a year - completed 12 months and aged 18 – 20
Point 3 - £24,577 a year - completed 12 months and aged 21+
Here at Warwick District Council, we pride ourselves on the fact that we offer you a great place to work.
We achieve our goals by recruiting and retaining motivated, empowered and flexible staff. We are committed to training and development, and we encourage a healthy work-life balance.
We offer the rewards and benefits that make it a great place to work.
People like you
We offer a wide range of career opportunities at every level of the organisation. From apprenticeships to senior management, permanent to fixed term contracts or part-time working, we have something for everyone.
Warwick District Council Green Space Team is looking to recruit an energetic Horticultural Apprentices to work within the Green Space Team and the Council’s Ground Maintenance contractor (idverde) to gain valuable experience in both the practical side of horticulture and the development/management of parks and open spaces.The apprenticeship will enable the successful candidates to become expert in the use of a wide range of specialised tools and equipment specific to horticulture and grounds maintenance work, and will develop the necessary expert skills, ability and qualifications to carry out a full range of horticultural and grounds maintenance activities.
The apprentice will split their time (around 75%) working alongside our experienced Ground Maintenance Operatives across the district in our parks and open spaces this will include;
* Health & Safety
* Environmental best practise
* Working as part of a team
* Planting, plant care, growth and development
* Soil cultivation
* Tools, equipment and machinery
* Vegetation control
The apprentice will also work within the Green Spaces Team this will include;
* Using Microsoft Office
* Using Grounds Maintenance Mapping systems
* Assisting with the design of bedding displays
* Learning about sport ground management (bowls, football)
* Trees and woodland management
* Learning and how to support biodiversity and protect wildlife
Key responsibilities:
* Assisting with the maintenance, development and improvement of the Council’s parks and open spaces
As a Horticulture Apprentice, you will undertake the Level 2 Horticulture/Landscape Operative)qualification. The training provider for this apprenticeship is Warwickshire College Group. For details of this qualification please see visit their website at Horticulture/Landscape Operative: Level 2 Apprenticeship - WCG - Warwickshire College
You will be supported through the apprenticeship by a college assessor, and you will also receive regular mentoring in the workplace from your supervisor/team.
You do not need to have prior experience to apply for this apprenticeship, but we are interested in receiving applications from candidates who wish to develop a career in this sector. Candidates must have or expect to achieve up to 3 GCSE’s at Grade 4 or above (including Maths and English) or hold an equivalent and relevant qualification.
Whilst holding a full UK driving licence isn’t essential to a successful application, there is a business desire for applicants to pass their driving test during their apprenticeship. Candidates shortlisted for interviewing will be asked to submit a copy of related qualifications at the time of interview, along with a copy of their UK driving license if they have one.
Essential skills include:
Interest in horticulture: Making a positive impact on the Council’s parks and open spaces
Willingness to learn: A strong eagerness to develop horticultural skills
“Can do” attitude: Positive, proactive approach to tasks with a focus on learning and growing within the role.
Communication skills: Good written and verbal communication skills
Teamwork and independence: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, while also taking initiative and managing tasks independently.
Computer literacy: Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other relevant software, with a willingness to develop these skills further.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to gain practical experience in horticulture and grounds maintenance work, while contributing to the creation and improvement of green spaces in Warwick District.
This post is mainly based on site with grounds maintenance contractor, the grounds maintenance contractor depot or the Council offices and is not suitable for home or hybrid working. Any costs for travel from home to the depot of the office will be met by the successful candidate.
Apprenticeships are funded by the UK Government and there are some rules which we need to consider to establish eligibility for this opportunity. In particular:
* You will have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years prior to the start of the apprenticeship or fit the criteria of eligible residency status in theApprenticeship funding rules.
* You do not already hold the same or similar qualifications.
If you have any questions or wish to have an informal discussion, please contact David Anderson by email david.anderson@warwickdc.gov.uk.
Closing date: 14th August 2025
Interview date: 20th August 2025
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