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Apprentice Horticulture and Landscape Construction Operative
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Harington Gardeners is the commercial arm of an inspiring charity that empowers young people with learning differences to thrive through horticulture. You should apply if you enjoy hands-on learning in a diverse team, helping maintain and landscape prestigious gardens across prime North London locations like Highgate, Camden, and Hampstead.
What you'll do at work
- Assist with the maintenance of gardens and outdoor spaces for clients, including lawn care, pruning, planting, weeding, and general upkeep.
- Work as part of a team delivering high-quality garden services across a variety of residential and commercial sites.
- Maintain a commercial pace of work, balancing efficiency with safety and quality.
- Monitor the quality of work carried out, and report any issues, hazards, or client feedback to supervisors promptly.
- Assist in maintaining high standards across all tasks and identify areas for improvement to ensure client satisfaction.
- Work independently when required, showing initiative and reliability in completing tasks to a high standard.
- Support and encourage young people with learning difficulties in a practical, inclusive environment.
- Learn and apply safe and effective use of hand tools and horticultural machinery under supervision.
- Adhere to all health and safety regulations and participate in relevant training.
- Complete coursework and assessments related to the apprenticeship programme.
- Maintain tools, equipment, and workspaces in clean and safe condition.
- Represent the charity positively in the community and maintain professional behaviour at all times.
Where you'll work
55A CHOLMELEY PARK
LONDON
N6 5EH
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CAPEL MANOR COLLEGE
Training course
Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
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).
(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.
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(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.
(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
You will be required to attend college every Thursday (term time) at a Capel Manor Campus.
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Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
You will be supported in completing a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Horticulture or Landscape Operative (or equivalent).
On-the-job mentoring by experienced garden operatives and support staff.
Opportunities to gain further qualifications in first aid, manual handling, and safeguarding.
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Other requirements
- Applicants must pass full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Basic understanding of health and safety in outdoor work environments
Harington Gardeners is the commercial arm of The Harington Scheme; an inspiring charity dedicated to empowering young people with learning differences to build confidence and independence through horticulture for over 45 years. We are seeking a motivated, compassionate Apprentice Horticulture and Landscape Construction Operative to join our friendly team, where you will gain hands-on experience maintaining prestigious gardens across North London while completing a recognized industry qualification.
https://www.harington.org.uk/gardeners (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- Full Kit Provided: All safety boots, PPE, and specialist tools supplied.
- Dedicated Mentorship: 1-to-1 support to build your skills and confidence.
- Prestigious Projects: Gain hands-on experience in high-end North London gardens.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy regular Monday–to–Friday hours and a generous holiday allowance.
- Meaningful Work: Empower young people with learning differences while learning practical skills.
Disability Confident
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).
Career progression
- Professional Horticulturist: Step into permanent garden maintenance roles for private estates or public parks.
- Specialist Landscaper: Focus on soft or hard landscaping, from planting schemes to structural installations.
- Team Leader: Progress to supervisory roles overseeing garden crews and high-end projects.
- Heritage & Botanical Careers: Secure roles within major conservation trusts, botanical gardens, or historic properties.
- Independent Enterprise: Build your own freelance garden maintenance or boutique landscaping business.
- Supportive Community Roles: Channel your experience into horticultural therapy or mentoring programs.
Contact information
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
HARINGTON GARDENERS
Saman
gardeners@harington.org.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000046344.
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