Horticulture Apprentice - Bury St Edmunds

Summary

Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship where we will support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to protect historic sites, tackle climate change, and help people and nature thrive. You do not need experience for this role, just plenty of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

As one of our Horticulture Apprentices, you will be part of our horticulture teams, helping to look after our 224 Historic gardens, playing a vital role in delivering our conservation and climate change strategies, helping to undertake the regular tasks and horticultural maintenance, conservation, and care of the gardens to safeguard them for the future.

This role can lead to an Assistant Gardener or Gardener role and potentially move to a Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship after additional experience gained in role.

For more information about our apprenticeship programme please click here: National Trust Jobs :: Apprenticeships.

What it's like to work here

Our gardens are heritage sites, and homes to the most extensive plant collection in Europe; our gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of plant collections and the gardens to increasing numbers of members and visitors. Our gardens are much loved and visited from far and wide by many and you will be part of the team of professionals caring for all aspects of the heritage gardens at Ickworth Estate.

Your training will be delivered via a combination of mandatory 5-day college blocks and online learning, with all college expenses and travel paid. There will also be opportunities to travel to other National Trust locations with some overnight stays to expand your learning and experience. You will also be able to join other training events and learn from industry colleagues internally and externally.

The Italian-inspired Ickworth House forms the centrepiece of the Ickworth Estate. With over 1,800 acres of parkland, and gardens Ickworth Estate is the perfect place to get back to nature. 

We welcome over 300,000 visitors a year to this Treasure House and its rolling Suffolk landscape. The garden team look after 75 acres of garden including the earliest Italianate Garden in the country, a 5.5 acre walled garden, woodland walks and Cedar pleasure grounds. You'll be working alongside the garden team (staff and volunteers) in maintaining and developing the garden, as well as supporting the delivery of garden projects.

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What you'll be doing

Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills & knowledge relevant to this apprenticeship standard. (Horticulture or landscape construction operative level 2).

You will attend, and prepare for, regular review meetings with your training provider, and be accountable for your own progression. You will be required to complete mandatory e-learning, courses and training provided.

Who we're looking for

In addition to the qualities listed in the role profile, we would love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:

• A minimum of 2 GCSE’s which must include English and maths at grade E/2, functional skills level 1 or equivalent (If you hold an EHCP, entry level 3 in English and maths is acceptable). 
• Aged 16 or over and have completed year 11
• Not in full time education
• Living in England & have the right to work in the UK
• Able to travel to work location

If you have a qualification in the same or a related subject to this apprenticeship or have substantial relevant work experience this may exclude you from Government funding – this will be verified if your application progresses.

The package

The 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

• EV car lease scheme 

• Perks at work discounts such as 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 Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.