Winchester College
Grounds Apprentice
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Winchester College Grounds Apprentice
Winchester College is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Grounds apprentice to join its Grounds and Gardens team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and nationally recognised qualifications while working within one of the country’s most prestigious educational estates.
The successful candidate will assist in the maintenance and development of the college’s extensive grounds, sports facilities, gardens, and landscapes, learning from an experienced team.
Job Responsibilities
Grounds Maintenance
- Assist with mowing, strimming, edging, and the maintenance of lawns and amenity areas
- Support the upkeep of hedges and planted areas
- Undertake seasonal tasks including leaf clearance, end of term transition, and support with seasonal events
- Assist in maintaining pathways, hard landscaping, and outdoor furniture
Sports Turf Maintenance
- Support the preparation and maintenance of a large variety of sports pitches including but not limited to:
- Cricket squares
- Tennis courts
- Rugby and football pitches
- Winchester College pitches (Canvases)
- All-weather playing surfaces
- Assist with line marking, aeration, scarification, overseeding, and all other turf renovations
- Learn the application of fertilisers and turf management practices under supervision
- Ensure all playing surfaces are maintained to the highest standards
Gardens and Estate Care
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- Assist with planting schemes and general horticultural activities
- Support basic tree care activities in accordance with the College’s Tree Management Plan
- Help maintain the presentation of the College’s historic estate
Health and Safety
- Operate machinery and equipment safely following appropriate training
- Adhere to all Winchester College Health and Safety, COSHH, and safeguarding policies and procedures
- Report hazards, defects, and incidents promptly in line with Health and Safety protocol
- Ensure a duty of care is always upheld, maintaining a safe working environment for staff, students, and visitors
Training and Development
- Attend on apprenticeship courses and sessions and complete coursework within the agreed framework set out by the training provider and Winchester College
- Develop knowledge of horticulture, sports turf management, and grounds maintenance
- Participate in departmental meetings and mandatory training sessions
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop professionally
Personal Specification
Essential
- A genuine interest in Grounds maintenance and sports turf
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn as well as a drive to develop professionally
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to follow instructions and work safely
Desirable
- Previous experience in gardening or grounds maintenance
- Basic knowledge of machinery and hand tools
- Full UK driving license
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What Winchester College Can Offer
- A nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification within the Grounds keeping industry
- Hands-on experience across a prestigious, historic, and diverse estate
- Support and mentoring from a highly experienced team of grounds and gardens professionals
- Competitive apprenticeship salary with incremental increase relating to successful qualification gain and experience
- Pension scheme, free on-site parking, access to college facilities, and free meals throughout term time
- Opportunities for career progression within grounds, horticulture, and estates
This role provides an outstanding foundation for a long-term career in grounds management, horticulture, or sports turf management while contributing to the maintenance of one of the United Kingdom’s most historic educational environments.
Hours of Work and Flexibility
This is a Full-time, 40 hours per week position where staff will be expected to accept reasonable flexibility in working arrangements and the allocation of duties to reflect the dynamic roles and responsibilities within the College environment.
This will include occasional weekend work on a rota-based system as well as additional evening hours to cover sporting fixtures, College events, and additional workloads, as deemed necessary by the Head of Grounds.
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