Perennial - Agent Profile

Trainee Gardener (2 Year Training Programme) York Gate Garden, Adel, LeedsAbout UsPerennial is the nation's only charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture. Together with our network of par...

Trainee Gardener (2 Year Training Programme)
York Gate Garden, Adel, Leeds
About Us
Perennial is the nation's only charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture. Together with our network of partners, we provide free support, information, advice, financial assistance and services for horticulturalists and their loved ones experiencing illness, disability, bereavement, family breakdown and financial difficulties.
Our support services put individual needs, interests and voices at the heart of life-changing outcomes, providing the scale and reach needed to meet the increasing number of individuals and their families experiencing challenging times.
We are now looking for a highly enthusiastic and eager Trainee Gardener to join our team at York Gate Garden, one of the finest small gardens in the UK. This is a structured two year training work placement in which you will gain a RHS Level 3 qualification through a day release programme with Craven College.
The Benefits
- Salary of £8.72 per hour
- 25 days' holiday per annum plus Bank Holidays
- Life assurance
- Sickness pay
- Auto-enrolment pension scheme
- Well-established family friendly policies, including the ability to have extra unpaid leave
- Time off for dependants
York Gate Garden is a stunning example of a small English garden. Lovingly created between 1951 and 1994 by the Spencer family, they were willed to Perennial upon the owner's passing.
The gardens are outstandingly executed using a system of horticultural 'rooms' connected by paved or gravelled walkways with focal points, ornate stonework and wonderfully sculpted bushes and trees, all complemented by an array of breath-taking flowers and plants.
This is an exceptional chance to learn from some incredible gardeners, develop a passion for gardening and gain a qualification, as well as forging an exceptional career and a connection to the environment.
The Role
As a Trainee Gardener, you will become involved in the hands-on management and maintenance of York Gate Garden. Learning and undertaking a wide range of gardening tasks, you will ensure that the garden continues to radiate beauty and is presented to a consistently high standard.
Your role will vary season to season and will involve engaging with visiting members of the public to support their enjoyment of the gardens.
Working under the direction of the Head Gardener and Senior Gardener, you will learn how to:
- Maintain lawns including grass cutting, edging, scarification and feeding
- Undertake general garden maintenance such as weeding and path maintenance
- Prune correctly including hedges and scrubs
- Sow seeds so as to enhance the garden and increase the nursery stock
- Look after the plants including correct watering, pest and disease control, feeding and glasshouse management
- Run the admissions, shop and refreshments areas
As part of your role, you will be required to take part in a rota to cover evening and weekend work.
About You
To be considered as a Trainee Gardener, you will need:
- GCSEs at grades A*- C (Level 9 - 4) in English and Mathematics or be able to pass a functional skills test
- The ability to work alone or as part of a team
- The ability to follow instructions and directions and learn new skills and activities
- The willingness to undertake training as necessary and take responsibility for your own learning
- An organised and methodical approach
- The ability and willingness to complete the college based training elements of the course
- To have a flexible and friendly approach to working in a small garden
- The willingness to undertake a flexible work pattern including weekend work
- The willingness to, on occasion, undertake uncongenial 'domestic chores' such as cleaning and litter removal
This role will involve lifting, carrying and moving items (occasionally heavy) throughout the gardens.
Good general knowledge and an interest in gardening would be beneficial to your application. Practical experience in horticulture in a paid or volunteer setting would also be an advantage, as would experience of working outdoors.
Other organisations may call this role Apprentice Gardener, Garden Assistant, Gardening Assistant, Junior Gardener, Trainee Horticultural Technician, Trainee Horticulture Operative, or Trainee Landscape Gardener.
This role is also suitable for those looking for a Horticulture Apprenticeship, Gardening Training Programme, Horticulture Training Programme, Apprenticeship, Traineeship, or Training Opportunity.
The closing date for this role is the 13th September 2020.
Webrecruit and Perennial are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you're seeking an exciting learning opportunity as a Trainee Gardener, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency...... click apply for full job details