Garden Apprentice - Level 2

An Apprenticeship with the National Trust Garden team.

We employ more than 600 gardeners, from Apprentices and Assistant Gardeners to Head Gardeners and Garden Managers We care for over 200 gardens and 190 historic parklands reflecting 500 years of UK garden history. Our gardens are home to the largest plant collection in Europe. Our gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of our gardens and plant collections for a growing number of members and visitors. We also support people’s access to nature and heritage through partner projects within our city centres. Our gardeners are responsible for their care, conservation and regular maintenance to share with our ever expanding audience.

Further information on the Apprenticeship Standard Horticulture or landscape operative level 2

To apply for this role, please submit a covering letter that introduces yourself and answers the following questions:

• What do you understand about the Apprenticeship scheme?
• What attracts you to this role? How would this apprenticeship benefit you?
• What do you know about the National Trust?
• What skills do you think would be the most important for a Garden Apprentice?

This can lead to an assistant gardener or gardener role and potentially move to an L3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship after the additional experience.

What it's like to work here:Every year, we welcome some 22.5 million visitors of all ages and backgrounds. We care for historic houses, gardens, mills, forests, castles, miles of coastline, islands, holiday cottages, pubs and inns, whole villages and even a goldmine. We also run a huge retail chain, a multi-million-pound food and beverage business, and more. And we do all of this so that everyone can enjoy and make the most of the green spaces and beautiful places that England, Wales and Northern Ireland offer.

Clumber Park, once the estate of the Dukes of Newcastle, is a beautiful expanse of parkland, heath and woods covering more than 3,800 acres.. Although the house was demolished in 1938, this picturesque setting continues to deliver beauty, nature and history for everyone. Working with our strong volunteer team, we perform a wide range of Horticulture, including caring for the 4 Acre Walled Kitchen Garden with its huge glasshouses and 200+ fruit trees. We curate two national plant collections and are lovingly reviving our lakeside Pleasure Grounds through exciting project work. The most interesting place to start a Horticultural career.

What you'll be doing:You’ll be working with your Trust Line Manager/ Mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, as part of the wider team, and working outdoors in all weathers. You’ll attend, and prepare for, monthly review meetings with your Provider Mentor and be accountable for your progression concerning the Apprenticeship Standard. You’ll be required to complete and upload relevant evidence to the appropriate e-portfolio system to document your progress and maintain timesheets for Off-the-Job training. You’ll be required to complete mandatory e-learning courses and training and prepare for exams if applicable. You’ll need to attend six block weeks of training at our nominated college for your garden, with all travel, food and accommodation costs covered.

The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most locations

• Independent financial advice