Cambridge City Council
General Operative (Public Realm) - Apprentice
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Job Description
GENERAL OPERATIVE (PUBLIC REALM) APPRENTICE (3 ROLES)
Help keep Cambridge looking its best – while building your future.
This is Cambridge.
A city famous around the world for its historic streets, beautiful parks and green spaces.
Every day, thousands of people enjoy the places that make Cambridge special. Behind those spaces is a dedicated team of people who keep them clean, safe and looking their best.
At Cambridge City Council, our Public Realm Operations team plays a vital role in caring for the city. If you enjoy being outdoors, working with your hands and seeing the difference your work makes, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Earn while you learn
This is a permanent job from day one.
You'll work towards a Level 2 apprenticeship while gaining real experience alongside skilled and experienced colleagues. You'll learn new practical skills, use professional equipment and receive the training and support you need to build a career in horticulture, landscape maintenance and public realm services.
During your apprenticeship you'll earn £13.69 per hour (Real Living Wage plus Cambridge Weighting).
Once you've successfully completed your apprenticeship, your pay will increase to £15.31 per hour (£29,540 per annum).
What You'll Be Doing
No two days will be exactly the same.
You'll help look after some of Cambridge's most valued spaces, including parks, open spaces and landscaped areas.
Your day could include:
- Planting flowers, shrubs and trees.
- Mowing, weeding and pruning to keep green spaces looking their best.
- Supporting small landscaping improvement projects.
- Learning how to safely use tools, machinery and specialist equipment.
- Helping maintain areas that residents and visitors enjoy every day.
You'll be working outside, learning from experienced colleagues and building practical skills that will stay with you throughout your career.
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Who We're Looking For
You don't need years of experience or lots of qualifications. We're looking for someone with the right attitude who wants to learn and get stuck in.
You'll enjoy practical outdoor work, take pride in doing a good job and be someone who can be relied upon. You'll work well as part of a team, follow instructions and always put safety first.
A full UK driving licence would be helpful as you develop within the role, but it isn't essential. Previous experience in horticulture, landscaping, grounds maintenance or using tools and equipment would be an advantage — but your willingness to learn is what matters most.
Why join us?
This is more than just an apprenticeship.
It's your chance to start a career while making a visible difference to one of the UK's most famous cities.
You'll gain a recognised qualification, develop valuable practical skills and learn from colleagues who know the job inside out. As you grow your skills, there will be opportunities to continue developing your career within Cambridge City Council.
You'll also receive a wide range of benefits, including:
- Excellent learning and development opportunities supported via a range of sources and methods and, where applicable, recognised through Digital Badges
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme(LGPS) and Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme
- Agile and Flexible working options
- Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time), with the option to purchase additional leave
- Family friendly policies and Flexible Bank Holidays
- Confidential wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and Your Care wellbeing platform
- Staff reward and recognition framework, including an annual staff awards ceremony
- Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on role
- Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, Gym Membership and Home & Electronics
- Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more
- Free swimming at CCC swimming pools
- Subsidy for public transport
- Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases
- Annually negotiated pay and award progression
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Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £13.69 per hour (Real Living Wage + Cambridge Weighting) rising to £15.31 per hour (£29,540 per annum) upon successful completion of the apprenticeship
Location: Based at the Operational Hub, Cowley Road you will be working in and around Cambridge City
More Information:
You can click on the links here to find out more information about Staff Pay and Benefits, Working for the Council, our Values & Behaviours, Equality & Diversity in Recruitment or Our People & Culture Strategy.
If you would like an informal chat, please contact Don Blair on 07719 987273 or email paul.doran@cambridge.gov.uk
Application Process:
To be considered for this role, please contact recruit@keits.co.uk
Cambridge City Council recognises the value of digital badges in evidencing skills, knowledge and competencies, and welcomes their inclusion within job applications as verifiable indicators of achievement and capability.
Cambridge City Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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