Annual wage £12,313.60 You will be in scope for additional employee benefits including, pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, health and wellbeing programmes, private dental and medical insurance and transport links. Wages explained Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that's part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week). Minimum Wage Rates Working week Monday to Friday at 9 - 5pm or 8 - 4pm Total hours per week: 37 Expected duration 21 Months Possible start date 16 Jun 2024 Date posted 25 Apr 2024 Apprenticeship level Intermediate Level 2 (GCSE) Reference number VAC1000246644 Positions 1 available What you will do in your working day Provide a thorough and efficient grounds care and maintenance services including site clearence, vegetation control e.g., pruning, weeding, spraying etc., plant / turf care, soft landscaping, planting Assist in the maintenance of all landscaping tools, equipment and plants, adhering to safe working practices. Assist in the daily recording of all mechanical equipment and to help ensure service intervals are complied with. Maintain relevant records, as directed, of all activities undertaken in the course of the working day to ensure accurate and up to date reporting information is available. Attend residents’ meetings from time to time as may be required. Drive a company vehicle responsibly and in accordance with the Highway Code (if the successful applicant has a full driving licence). Take responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of all equipment provided, and to operate all tools safely and in accordance with relevant guidance and regulations. To be accountable for the Health and Safety of self and that of colleagues at work. To contribute to the cleanliness and safety of Connect Housing’s estates and properties. The training you will be getting Your training will be provided by both your employer and the Grey Seal Academy. All training is delivered face to face at the workplace either on site or videoconferencing; this includes x1 training session and x1 coaching session per month. You will have access to an online portfolio and virtual learning environment to assist your training and assessment during your programme. During the apprenticeship, you will learn the following topics: Communication; communicating with others, including clients, the public and colleagues. This may require basic IT system use Team working; work alone and as part of a team effectively and recognise how all staff are dependent on each other to meet business objectives Health and safety; apply relevant health and safety processes and procedures. Implement specific industry information on hazards relevant to horticultural environments Follow safe systems of work and safety information provided by employers. Implement environmental protection policies and procedures Environmental; prevent and control local pollution incidents e.g. use of spill kits Planting, plant growth and development; care for plants correctly in different environments, including basic irrigation methods, planting methods and identifying plant deficiencies Install various soft-landscape materials e.g. shrubs, trees, herbaceous, bedding, grass areas and seed. This will include site preparation, planting, sowing, turfing, preparation of seed beds and mulching Soil cultivation; cultivating and improving soils by mechanical methods and by hand; making and amelioration of growing media and soils Tools, equipment and machinery; safely use tools e.g. spades, rakes, shovels; equipment e.g. tape measure and spirit level and machinery e.g. pedestrian controlled mowers, hand held strimmer, hedgecutter Vegetation control; following processes and methods of site clearance, using tools and machinery for pruning and vegetation control, including basic turf management Follow weed control methods Propagation Site presentation; work to a specified finish Upon completion of the Apprenticeship you will gain the following qualifications and standards: Horticulture Operative Level 2 Standard Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3 Safe use of Pesticides Level 2 Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Hand Held Equipment Functional Skills in Mathematics Level 1 / 2 (if applicable) Functional Skills in English Level 1 / 2 (if applicable) What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship Connect Housing will look to keep you on as a permanent employee on completion of your apprentiship. Requirements and prospects Desired skills and personal qualities Communication skills, Team working, Physical fitness Qualifications GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 3) Desired GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 3) Desired Things to consider The vacancy does involve working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, manual handling and early working hours. The role covers West Yorkshire with travel to Dewsbury on a regular basis.