Job description
We have 3 fantastic opportunities to join the University of Oxford as an Apprentice Gardener in the Estates Services, University Parks team. The Apprentice Gardener position is the gateway to a successful and rewarding career in professional horticulture.
If you have the desire to work in the outdoors and have a passion for plants, then working for the Parks team is definitely for you. The Parks has a strong horticultural history with a team of skilled and experienced gardeners, horticulturists and tree specialists who work hard to deliver timely and effective services to the University, Colleges and private customers.
As an Apprentice Gardener, you will gain hands-on experience in a variety of horticultural activities as well as receiving formal college-based training to industry standards. You will learn to carry out all forms of garden maintenance, grass and turf care, plant propagation and hard and soft landscaping. The department holds an extensive plant collection which you will have the opportunity to work with. There is an extensive range of horticultural equipment that you will be taught to use in the course of the apprenticeship.
About you
You will be passionate about starting your career in Horticulture and excited about the opportunity about becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford. You may be starting your career or you may be looking for a career change. You will complete a level 2 Horticulture Operative apprenticeship.
To complete the level 2 apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE Maths and English. If you did not achieve these grades, please do not let that put you off from applying as you can study Functional Skills as part of the apprenticeship giving you the equivalent qualifications needed. These qualifications are completed over 7 days.
Please note that the Training Provider is required to assess your current ability in Maths and English as part of the application process, even if you already have your English and maths qualifications. There are also government residency requirements for Apprenticeship funding which the Training Provider will be able to advise on.
What we offer
Our apprentices are never on their own, you will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region.
We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.
Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their Apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career.
You will receive 38 days’ annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and fixed closure dates, discounted travel, an excellent contributory pension scheme, and student discount. You will also be part of the University’s annual apprenticeship awards.
Contact us
If you would like further information or support in your application please contact:
- Paul Hutchinson – Recruiting Manager - [email protected]
- Jane Phipps – Abingdon and Witney College – [email protected]
Application Process
You will be required to upload and complete our Apprenticeship Application form.
The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Tuesday 7 February 2023 and only applications received before will be considered.
Interviews will be taking place on the week commencing 13 February, these are likely to be held face-to-face. if you have any questions regarding the interview please do not hesitate to contact us.
To apply for this apprenticeship please review the attached job description and click the link below to apply.