This role offers hands‑on learning to develop the skills needed to become a qualified horticulturist. You will work outdoors in all weather, supporting the care and maintenance of gardens across Windsor Great Park. The 24‑month apprenticeship leads to a Level 2 Horticulture qualification on completion.
Training course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (Level 2)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7.30 am – 4.30 pm (40 hours a week)
Start date: 10 August 2026
Duration: 2 years
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.
What you’ll do at work
* Support the team to deliver the work programme by undertaking a range of activities including hedge cutting, mowing, strimming, weeding, pruning
* Use tools and machinery safely (training will be provided)
* Follow health and safety guidance, including risk assessments, safe systems of work, reporting accidents or concerns
* Follow The Crown Estate’s policies (e.g. attendance, punctuality, reporting absence)
* Complete apprenticeship learning activities, including on‑the‑job and off‑the‑job training, maintaining learning logs
* Work well as part of a team and build positive relationships
* Follow instructions and ask for help when needed
* Provide a good level of service to visitors and colleagues
* Support events and engagement activities when required
* Contribute to conservation and sustainability work
* Represent Windsor Great Park in a professional and positive way
* Demonstrate The Crown Estate behaviours at all times – working better together, showing candour with care, acting resourcefully, and being accountable
Where you'll work
Windsor Great Park, Windsor, SL4 2HT
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
The Windsor Forest Colleges Group
Training course
* (Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
* (Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
* (Core) Select, undertake a pre‑start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
* (Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non‑technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
* (Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus, species and or cultivar.
* (Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio‑security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
* (Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
* (Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
* (Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
* (Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
* (Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
* (Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
* (Core) Install turf for situation.
* (Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
* (Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re‑gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
* (Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.
* (Landscape construction) Measure and set out an uncomplicated site in preparation for landscape construction activities.
* (Landscape construction) Use free hand cutting and or bench cutting of hard landscape materials using abrasive wheels.
* (Landscape construction) Repair constructed landscape features (simple and noncomplex) for example re‑grouting, re‑sanding, damaged fencing.
* (Landscape construction) Construct paved feature for example path, patio or shed base, including setting levels, sub‑bases, laying bases, finishing.
* (Landscape construction) Construct vertical landscape features including fences, ornamental vertical features and walls.
* (Landscape construction) Install drainage in landscaping.
* (Landscape construction) Construct horizontal landscape features (excluding paving).
* (Horticulture) Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil.
* (Horticulture) Provide after‑care to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use.
* (Horticulture) Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics.
* (Horticulture) Maintain soft landscapes for example staking or support, division, seasonal clearance and re‑planting.
* (Horticulture) Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents).
* (Horticulture) Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs).
* (Horticulture) Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form).
Attend BCA College once every fortnight.
Requirements
* GCSE in English (grade 4/C or above)
* GCSE in Maths (grade 4/C or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Logical
* Initiative
* Physical fitness
* Basic numeracy & measuring
* Follow instructions accurately
* Use tools safely
* Willing to work outdoors
* Flexible and adaptable
Other requirements
* Aged 16 or over and have completed year 11
* Not in full‑time education
* Have the right to work in the UK
* Able to travel to Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA), Maidenhead SL6 6QR one day every other week
* Able to travel to Windsor Great Park – our working hours are 7.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday
* Security clearance in addition to standard BPSS checks must be maintained for this role
* The role holder must be able to work two weekends each year to support the wider Estate. Overtime or time off in lieu will be offered
* The role holder must be able to undertake a largely manual role working outdoors in all weathers
About this employer
The Crown Estate is a prestigious organisation that manages an extensive portfolio of properties across the UK, including historic landmarks, retail spaces, and natural environments. We are committed to excellence, sustainability, and providing exceptional experiences for our visitors. As part of our team, you will contribute to maintaining the high standards and reputation of The Crown Estate.
Company benefits
* Life assurance
* Employee Assistance programme
* Cycle to work loan
After this apprenticeship
* At the end of the programme, the apprentice will be considered for any permanent vacancies
* Permanent positions require someone to have a full driving licence
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
The Windsor Forest Colleges Group
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000034179.
Apply now
Closes in 3 days (Tuesday 9 June 2026)
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