Gardening Apprenticeship - Level 2 pa

Overview

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 tackle climate change, protect historic sites and help people and nature thrive. You don’t need experience for this role, just loads of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

As one of our Horticulture Apprentices, you’ll be part of our horticulture teams, helping to look after one of our 224 Historic gardens, delivering our conservation and climate change strategies, and undertaking regular tasks and horticultural maintenance, conservation, and care of the gardens to safeguard them for the future. On successful completion you will have a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Horticulture, taking your first steps towards a future career in gardening.

Our gardens are heritage sites and homes to the most extensive plant collection in Europe. Our gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of plant collections and the gardens, serving increasing numbers of members and visitors. You’ll be part of a team of professionals caring for all aspects of the heritage gardens in the portfolio. You will develop skills in practical gardening techniques, health and safety awareness, plant and site maintenance, teamwork and problem-solving.

Working as an apprentice gardener at Dyffryn Gardens offers an inspiring blend of learning, heritage, and hands-on horticulture. Set within more than 55 acres of Edwardian-designed landscapes, the gardens feature sweeping vistas, intimate garden rooms, a vast arboretum and a large glasshouse filled with exotic collections, providing a rich and varied environment to develop practical skills.

Apprentices train alongside experienced gardeners, gaining insight across productive walled gardens, display glasshouses, tree care and modern nursery facilities, and learning to manage plant records and operate a wide range of machinery. The historic setting, shaped by designers Thomas Mawson and owner Reginald Cory, enriches the learning experience and creates a unique atmosphere where every season brings new horticultural challenges and opportunities.

Dyffryn offers professional growth and the daily reward of working in one of Wales’s most remarkable landscapes.

Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills and knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard:
Horticultural Operative Level 2.

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. You’ll also be able to join other training events and learn from industry colleagues internally and externally. You’ll attend regular review meetings with your training provider and be accountable for your own progression.

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 GCSEs including 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
• Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the past three consecutive years
• Not currently on any other training or education programme (e.g. another apprenticeship or a degree)
• Able to travel to the work location
• If you are aged 18 or under at the point of enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you may be enrolled on functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship.
• If you have a qualification in the same or a related subject or have lots of relevant work experience this will mean you are not eligible for the apprenticeship

Once you’ve checked you’re eligible, please use your application to tell us how you demonstrate the following Knowledge,

Skills and Experience:

• Ready to start your apprenticeship – no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm
• Positive,…