About the role:

We have an exciting apprentice groundsperson opportunity. The apprenticeship will involve studying Horticulture Apprenticeship Level 2 at Wiltshire College's Lackham campus (once weekly, during term time only). The rest of the week will be spent in the workplace undertaking practical work at University of Bath. The contract is fixed term to last the duration of the apprenticeship which is expected to be 24 months. Your tutor will also visit you in the workplace every 10 to 12 weeks.

The practical work will include:

• Grounds maintenance - mowing, watering, and fertilizing lawns, Planting, trimming, mulching and fertilizing flowers, shrubs and trees.
• Cleaning and painting benches, poles and signs.
• Keeping grounds free from snow and ice.
• Assisting with maintenance of sports facilities, which will include the preparation and maintenance of a range of surfaces and pitches, borders, grassed areas, woodlands, planting and new projects throughout the University.

Our landscaping services are done in line with our environmental management plan, taking into account environmental and community impact of all works carried out.

You will work in Campus Services, one of the largest departments at the University of Bath with over 400 staff. Campus Services provides multiple services to staff, students and visitors from accommodation, mail and security to hospitality, landscaping and cleaning and more.

What we're looking for:

• Although no previous horticulture experience is required, interest in and enthusiasm for horticulture and the landscape is essential.
• Maths & English L1 or GSCE grades 2 (E) must be held by the successful candidate prior to starting the apprenticeship in October 2024.
• A UK drivers licence is desirable, but not a requirement.
• Other requirements: the apprentice needs to spend at least 50% of their working time in England.
• Due to the nature of the work you will need to be able to lift and carry a reasonable amount of weight and you will be required to work out doors throughout the year.

About the University:

What we can offer you:

• a very generous employer contributory pension scheme
• generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
• an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
• a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.

Find out more about our benefits.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader.

From £21,543. Grade 2, per annum