Horticulture Apprentice

As a Brighton College Horticultural Apprentice you will train to become a gardener of the future. You will be part of the team responsible for the gardens throughout Brighton College’s estate. This apprenticeship will be delivered in association with Plumpton College.

**About Us**:
Brighton College is an inspiring place to work. As the leading co-educational school in the UK it is renowned for its inspirational teaching and innovative education, whilst placing kindness and community at the heart of our approach to education. Named ‘UK School of the Decade’ by The Sunday Times in November 2020, we educate 1,200 pupils between ages 11 and 18.

**What will the apprentice be doing?**
- Each day will differ slightly, but you will: _
- assist with lawn care, cultivation, weed control, planting and tree works.
- learn how to safely use a range of equipment and machinery.
- Undertake and successfully complete a Horticultural apprenticeship qualification.
- Specifically, you'll learn: _
- Principles of plant growth and development
- Plant nutrition requirements
- Ways to reduce waste
- How to use equipment correctly
- Cultivating soils for differing purposes
- Controlling plant pests and diseases
- Identifying plants
- Turf management
- Propogation techniques
- How to maintain soft landscapes

**What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?**

Upon completion, an apprentice will gain the following qualifications:

- L2 Horticultural Operative apprenticeship standard.
- Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work
- Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance OR Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides
- Level 1 in maths and English (if applicable)

A mix of online knowledge delivery and weekly practical learning wil be provided at Plumpton College, this will include skills and knowledge assessment and practical learning period qualifications. Quarterly workplace competency and efficiency observation and assessments will also take place.

**What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?**

The emlployment is a fixed term contract for 24 months with no guarantees for a continued job after that. However, once you have your quaification, you can find various opportunities in gardens, parks, garden centres etc.

**Working week**

Monday to Friday: 40 hours a week. Winter hours: 7:45am to 4:15pm, 30-minute unpaid lunchbreak. Summer hours (from the last Sunday of March): 8:00am to 5:00pm, 60-minute unpaid lunchbreak. This role will include occasional weekend work.

Total hours per week: 40 hours a week

**Desired skills and personal qualities**
- Communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Safety oriented

**Things to consider**

**Benefits**:

- Complimentary lunch is provided during term time
- Free tickets to the College's music, dance and drama performances
- Job specific Learning and Development programme available to all employees
- Life Cover is provided whilst working at Brighton College after successfully passing probation (for eligible staff)
- Brighton College provides a contributory pension scheme, which all eligible employees will be automatically enrolled into within three months of commencement of employment
- Lifestyle benefits and money saving platform
- Significantly subsidised gym membership for the School of Science and Sport is available, which includes access to a variety of exercise classes (including yoga and pilates) and use of the gym and swimming pool (for eligible staff)
- Healthy heart checks
- Meditation sessions
- Access to books, magazines and DVDs from the College library
- English Language classes

**Job Type**: Apprenticeship

**Salary**: £11,440.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Private medical insurance

Ability to commute/relocate:

- BRIGHTON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: One location