Horticulture Apprentice

Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship where we will support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to protect historic sites, tackle climate change, and help people and nature thrive. You do not need experience for this role, just plenty of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

Apprenticeship detail

As one of our Horticulture Apprentices, you will be part of our horticulture teams, helping to look after our 224 Historic gardens, playing a vital role in delivering our conservation and climate change strategies, helping to undertake the regular tasks and horticultural maintenance, conservation, and care of the gardens to safeguard them for the future.

This role can lead to an Assistant Gardener or Gardener role and potentially move to a Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship after additional experience gained in role.

For more information about our apprenticeship programme please click here: National Trust Jobs : Apprenticeships.

What it's like to work here:Our gardens are heritage sites, and homes to the most extensive plant collection in Europe, and our gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of plant collections and the gardens to increasing numbers of members and visitors. Our gardens are much loved and visited from far and wide by many and you will be part of the team of professionals caring for all aspects of the heritage gardens in the portfolio.

Your training will be delivered via a combination of mandatory 5-day college blocks and online learning, with all college expenses and travel paid. There will also be opportunities to travel to other National Trust locations with some overnight stays to expand your learning and experience. You will also be able to join other training events and learn from industry colleagues internally and externally.

Mount Stewart is situated on the shoreline of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland, and contains a mixture of highly maintained and artistic formal gardens surrounded the House and a series of extensive woodland gardens leading out to the Lake and Walled Garden. The main core of the garden was planted between 1921 and 1959, by Edith, Lady Londonderry, the 7th Marchioness of Londonderry. The microclimate is one of the mildest of any garden in the British Isles, meaning we can grown from a wide geographical range; many of which would not thrive in other locations elsewhere. Working at Mount Stewart will give a great wealth of opportunities and experiences of maintaining a garden to very high horticultural standards, while growing plants from all over the world. Mount Stewart is a well resourced and equipped garden and has a large propagation facility, producing plants for the garden and for sale to visitors. Working here you will experience gardening at the forefront of climate change, while learning how to manage a garden with a wide range of different styles.

What you'll be doing:Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills & knowledge relevant to this apprenticeship standard. (Horticulture or landscape construction operative level 2).

You will attend, and prepare for, regular review meetings with your training provider, and be accountable for your own progression. You will be required to complete mandatory e-learning, courses and training provided.

Who we're looking forIn addition to the qualities listed in the role profile, we would love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:

- A minimum of 2 GCSE’s which must include English and maths at grade E/2, functional skills level 1 or equivalent (If you hold an EHCP, entry level 3 in English and maths is acceptable).
- Aged 16 or over and have completed year 11
- Not in full time education
- Living in England & have the right to work in the UK
- Able to travel to work location

The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Tax-free childcare scheme
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 14/04/26)