Gardening Apprentice

A gardening apprenticeship is a great way to gain hands-on experience while learning valuable skills in garden maintenance. Join J.Drewe Landscaping to work alongside experienced professionals, build a rewarding career and grow your knowledge in a supportive and practical environment.

What you'll do

• Planting
• Weeding
• Mowing
• Turfing
• Leaf Clearing
• Hedge Cutting

Training

Delivery model:

• Work-based training with your employer
• Approximately 12 on-site assessment visits per year
• Regular meetings with your training coordinator to monitor progress and well-being
• 20 days college attendance to complete Horticulture Principles and Practice course
• 1 day college attendance to complete Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid course
• 2 days college attendance to complete Level 2 PA1 Pesticides course (theory)
• 2 days college attendance to complete L2 PA6 Pesticides course (practical)
• Level 1 Functional Skills in maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required)
• Apprentices will need to complete a minimum of 557 hours of off-the-job training during their apprenticeship

Qualifications included:

• Level 1 Functional Skills in English and maths (if required)
• Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid
• Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides
• Level 2 Award in The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Handheld Equipment
• Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship

End Point Assessment:

• Knowledge test
• Practical assessment
• Professional discussion

Please apply as soon as possible for this role. Should the right candidate be found prior to the closing date, then the vacancy may be closed early.

Apprenticeship Onboarding Session and Eligibility Checks:

Any new person applying for apprenticeship roles where Abingdon & Witney College delivers the training will be required to complete some eligibility checks. This will consist of a series of initial assessments and an interview with the team. There will be the opportunity to find out more about the apprenticeship process, the training included, and for any questions you might have. You may also be required to attend an Apprenticeship Onboarding Session at Witney, Abingdon or Bicester campus. 

This will consist of a series of initial assessments (required prior to any apprenticeship offer), completion of essential paperwork, the opportunity to find out more about the apprenticeship process, the training included, and a forum for your questions. 

As a new Apprenticeship applicant, you will only have to undergo this process once. If you would like to talk to us about the assessments or if you would need any extra support to attend the Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session, please call us on 01235 216216.    

Qualification checks:

By applying for this vacancy, you are giving Abingdon and Witney College permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. We make every effort to ensure that applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds or those who may not have the formal GCSE entry requirements can access apprenticeships where possible.  

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for Apprentices is £8.00 per hour from April 2026. This applies to 16 - 18-year-old apprentices and those aged 19 and over during the first year of their apprenticeship. After this, the National Minimum wage appropriate to their age applies. The wage for apprentices applies to both times spent on the job plus time spent training. .

After the apprenticeship

The role could lead to a full-time role upon the successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Physical fitness

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, Maths & English (grade A*- C / 4 - 9)

Things to consider

This role is based outdoors, and we work in all weathers. It is a physical job where you will be on your feet all day.

About the employer

At J.Drewe Landscaping, we are a friendly but

professional team. There are two sides to our

business, we have our Landscaping team and our

Garden Maintenance team. We cover a range of

properties from private to commercial of various

sizes. We pride ourselves on delivering

exceptional standards of work and customer

service.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2), Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
• Expected duration: 1 Year 3 Months
• Hours: 37.5 hours a week. Working week: Monday – Friday, 7:45am – 4:15pm.
• Start date: 4 January 2027
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £17,550 a year