Location
Bushy Park, London

Hours
Monday to Friday, 07:30am to 4:00pm, 40 hours per week

Salary
£26,436.80 per year (£12.71 per hour, at least national minimum wage for 21 and over)

About the Role
The Royal Parks Horticultural Apprenticeship Scheme offers an excellent opportunity to begin a career in horticulture and open space management. This is a three-year apprenticeship combining college-based learning with exceptional workplace training in one of London's historic Royal Parks. Apprentices will spend most of their time gaining hands-on experience working on site, developing practical skills and knowledge in a highly skilled team environment.

Day-to-day tasks include shrub bed maintenance, hedge trimming, planting bedding, shrubs and trees, grass cutting, planting area and bedding maintenance, weed control, general gardening, litter and leaf collection, playground marking, tree surgery, and spraying of chemicals (subject to qualification). Additional duties may include driving (subject to qualification and authorisation), ad-hoc soft landscaping, involvement in events and ceremonies within The Royal Parks, sports pitch management, and floral displays.

Apprentices will be supported by The Royal Parks Guild, attending masterclass days and celebration events. Coursework is delivered through day release at Capel Manor Regent's Park campus.

Experience
No prior experience is required. Enthusiasm for horticulture and a willingness to learn are essential.

About you
- Motivated and hard working
- Positive attitude and enthusiastic
- Good communication and customer care skills
- Ability to work well within a team
- Initiative and physically fit to perform demanding outdoor work
- Able to work in all weather conditions and cope with early starts
- Professional approach as the role involves working on high-profile sites with many visitors

Qualifications
Desirable:
- GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4 or equivalent or above)
Other relevant qualifications or industry experience will be considered and the apprenticeship can be tailored accordingly.