Winchester College is seeking to appoint a Grounds & Garden Apprentice to join our Grounds Department. This apprenticeship is an opportunity to develop practical skills, gain professional knowledge and build a foundation for a career in horticulture, grounds or landscape management.
The Role
The Grounds and Gardens apprentice will assist in the care, maintenance and development of the college's extensive grounds, sports facilities, gardens and landscapes. The role provides hands on training in horticulture and groundskeeping and estate maintenance alongside formal study towards an industry recognised qualification.
Your key responsibilities include:
* Assist with the day-today maintenance of gardens, lawns, sports pitches and landscaped areas.
* Carry out tasks such as mowing, edging, strimming, hedge cutting, pruning, planting, watering and weeding under guidance.
* Help prepare and maintain sports pitches and facilities, including line marking, aeration, seeding, and top dressing.
* Learn and apply safe use of machinery and tools such as mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers and hand tools.
* Assist with seasonal tasks such as leaf clearance and planting schemes.
* Follow all health and safety protocols.
* Learn and maintain high standards of presentation across the estate.
* Attend training sessions, college courses and assessments as required by the apprenticeship program.
* Work effectively as part of a team and communicate well with staff, students and visitors.
About You
* Genuine interest in horticulture, sports turf, gardening or grounds management.
* Willingness to learn and undertake formal training.
* Positive, proactive attitude with good teamwork skills.
* Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks safely.
* Reliable, punctual and committed to the apprenticeship program.
* Willingness to work outdoors in all conditions.
* Willingness to work at height.
* Full Driving License
What We Offer
* Start Date: As soon as possible.
* Working Hours: 40 hours per week. staff will be expected to accept reasonable flexibility in working arrangements and the allocation of duties to reflect the dynamic roles and responsibilities within the College environment. This will includeoccasionalweekend work on a rota-based system as well as additional evening hours to cover sporting fixtures, College events and additional workloads, as deemed necessary by the Head of Grounds.
* Salary: The salary for this position is £22, gross) per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Salary is paid monthly, in arrears, to a nominated back account in 12 equal payments.
How To Apply
Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted.
Closing date for applications: Midnight Friday 17th October 2025
For the full job description to apply please see here:
Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint prior to the closing date.
Those wishing for an informal conversation about this role are invited to contact Dave Rustell, Head Groundsperon, .
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email
Further information about the school can be found at
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £22,900.55 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free fitness classes
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
* Gym membership
* On-site gym
* Referral programme
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person