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Apprentice Gardener
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The Apprentice Gardener role will support the maintenance and development of the University of Leicester’s gardens, grounds and green spaces, helping to create a safe, welcoming and attractive environment for students, staff and visitors.
As an Apprentice Gardener, you will work as part of the Gardens & Grounds team to carry out a range of practical horticultural tasks while developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to become a qualified gardener. You will contribute to maintaining high standards across the University estate, including supporting environmentally sustainable practices and biodiversity, while gaining hands-on experience alongside your apprenticeship training.
Grounds Maintenance and Horticulture
- Assist with a wide range of horticultural and grounds maintenance tasks across the University estate, including grass cutting, strimming, edging, weeding, planting and pruning
- Support the care and maintenance of planted areas such as flower beds, shrubs, trees and landscaped areas
- Help prepare and maintain seasonal planting displays and undertake basic soil and plant care activities
- Use a variety of tools and equipment appropriate to the role, following training and guidance
- Carry out routine checks, cleaning and basic maintenance of tools and machinery
Supporting Campus Environment and Biodiversity
- Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming outdoor environment for staff, students and visitors
- Support environmentally sustainable practices, including assisting with biodiversity initiatives such as wildflower areas and habitat-friendly maintenance
- Assist with seasonal tasks to improve the appearance and quality of the University grounds
Working Practices
- Follow all health and safety guidance, risk assessments and safe systems of work at all times
- Work safely when using tools, machinery and equipment, including appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Report any hazards, defects or incidents promptly to a supervisor
- Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required by the senior manager
Teamwork and Communication
- Work as part of the Gardens & Grounds team, supporting colleagues to deliver planned work activities
- Communicate clearly and professionally with team members, supervisors and others across the University
- Show a positive and reliable approach to work, particularly when working in public-facing areas of campus
Apprenticeship Completion
- Complete the Level 2 Horticulture/Landscape Operative Apprenticeship
- In Line with Apprenticeship Funding Rules, you will spend at least 20% of your normal working hours on off the job development
- In addition to this, you will also complete all University of Leicester mandatory training, as and when required
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider: LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE
Training course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Course contents:
(Core) Apply health and safety processes and procedures including risk assessments and or construction design management (CDM), manual handling, legislative requirements and organisational policies. Follow safe systems of work and safety information in line with employer requirements or site context (for example clearing their route before transporting materials).
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(Core) Apply environmental mitigation measures including storage and disposal of waste, for example sorting materials for recycling or composting, acting in compliance with legal requirements, organisational policies and pollution controls.
(Core) Select, undertake a pre start check, set up, clean, store and safely operate tools, equipment and machinery (including pedestrian controlled and handheld) in line with current legislation and business policies.
(Core) Communicate with technical (for example supervisors or managers) and non-technical audiences (for example clients or the public) using language appropriate to the audience.
(Core) Identify plants commonly grown in the UK by scientific names including genus species and or cultivar.
(Core) Maintain the correct phytosanitary and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with legal requirements.
(Core) Identify and report symptoms and or signs of commonly found UK plant pests, pathogens and disorders.
(Core) Maintain plant health for example providing for basic needs such as water, nutrition (either organic or inorganic), light.
(Core) Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching (these might be imported or natural).
(Core) Clear unwanted vegetation, selecting techniques to be used (for example weeding).
(Core) Remove unwanted or damaged growth from plants using a pruning cut.
(Core) Plant shrubs and a tree using a simple tree pit.
(Core) Install turf for situation.
(Core) Mow turf using pedestrian controlled powered driven mower.
(Core) Maintain or protect hard surfaces, features or structures for example painting, re-gravelling, removing weeds from paving, drain clearance, cleaning.
(Core) Use digital tools and techniques for research, collaboration, continuous professional development and resolution of problems.
(Landscape construction) Measure and set out an uncomplicated site in preparation for landscape construction activities.
(Landscape construction) Use free hand cutting and or bench cutting of hard landscape materials using abrasive wheels.
(Landscape construction) Repair constructed landscape features (simple and noncomplex) for example re-grouting, re-sanding, damaged fencing.
(Landscape construction) Construct paved feature for example path, patio or shed base. Including setting levels, sub bases, laying bases, finishing.
(Landscape construction) Construct vertical landscape features including fences, ornamental vertical features, and walls.
(Landscape construction) Install drainage in landscaping.
(Landscape construction) Construct horizontal landscape features (excluding paving).
(Horticulture) Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil.
(Horticulture) Provide aftercare to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use.
(Horticulture) Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics.
(Horticulture) Maintain soft landscapes for example - staking or support, division, seasonal clearance, and re-planting.
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(Horticulture) Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens, and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents).
(Horticulture) Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs).
(Horticulture) Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form).
Training schedule:
Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2
Block release to Brooksby College
Functional skills if necessary
On-the-job training
Off-the-job training
Essential qualifications:
GCSE in:
English (grade 2)
Maths (grade 2)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Our campus is situated close to Leicester city centre and is easily accessible by train, bus, bicycle and car. The main campus is approximately a 10-15-minute walk from Leicester Railway Station.
The University of Leicester is a leading UK university with a proud history of innovation, discovery and positive social impact. Founded in 1921, the University is renowned for world-changing research, including the invention of genetic fingerprinting and the discovery of King Richard III. Today, it is home to a diverse community of students and staff who are passionate about making a difference locally, nationally and globally.
Set within a vibrant, green campus close to Leicester city centre, the University is committed to creating an inspiring environment for learning, working and personal development. As an Apprentice Gardener, you will play an important role in maintaining and enhancing the University’s award-winning grounds and outdoor spaces, helping to create a welcoming campus for students, staff and visitors.
Joining the University of Leicester means becoming part of an inclusive organisation that invests in its people, values continuous learning and supports employees to develop the skills and experience needed for a successful career.
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Successful completion of the apprenticeship will provide a strong foundation for a career in horticulture and grounds maintenance. You will develop practical skills and industry knowledge that could lead to opportunities such as:
- Gardener or Grounds Maintenance Operative
- Senior Gardener
- Horticultural Technician
- Specialist roles in landscaping, arboriculture, sports turf, or botanical gardens
- Supervisory or Team Leader positions within estates and grounds teams
The contact for this apprenticeship is: LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE
Apprenticeships
apprenticeships@loucoll.ac.uk
01530519001
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000041393.
Closes in 15 days (Friday 24 July 2026 at 11:59pm)
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