Apprentice Gardener

We have an exciting opportunity to join our award-winning Grounds Teams as an Apprentice Gardener on a 2-year course, delivered by BCA (Berkshire College of Agriculture) where you will attend one day a week.
The role is responsible for assisting with the cultivation and maintenance of areas of Eton College to an exceptionally high standard. You will contribute towards the delivery of garden plans and programmes of work under the direction of the Gardens Supervisor and Deputy Grounds Manager/Grounds Manager.
Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date.This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.
Benefits
Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, includingan 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme,a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the Colleges sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.
Main Duties
Day to day cultivation and maintenance of gardens and formal areas;
Maintenance is to include but not exhaustive of the following, pruning, weeding, planting, mowing, fertilising, spraying;
Learning about plant and tree identification;
Learning how to identify and control weeds, pests and diseases;
Prepare ground for new and existing planting schemes;
Carry out specific projects as directed;
The safe use and operation of equipment and machinery used in Horticultural maintenance;
To adhere to current Health and Safety legislation and best practice in accordance with the Colleges Health and Safety Policy Statement;
To ensure own safety, and the safety of others who may be affected by your actions. Employees must follow instructions and co-operate at all times with their line manager to enable Eton College to meet its legal responsibilities. Employees must stop work if the nature of the situation involves risk of serious injury to any person and must report any hazardous situation or defective equipment to their line manager without delay;
To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required of you in the post;
Where required, undertake regulated activity, such as unsupervised contact with children, ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed and providing safe and effective care at all times;
Good understanding and effective implementation of Child Protection procedures
Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity andinclusion;
All positions at Eton are classed as regulated activity as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including butnot limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.
Working Pattern
Your working hours will be 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday with 30 minutes for lunch, with one of those days at college
You will be working 52 weeks per year.
You will be entitled to 21 days of holiday.
The Qualification you will receive
Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship Certificate.
Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (Ofqual registered) for both.
(Horticulture Operative) Awards Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides
(Horticulture Operative) Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Handheld Equipment
(Landscaping construction) Abrasive Wheel Machines Course
The Ideal Candidate
To be successful in this role, the incumbent should:
GCSE English and Maths Grade 4 or above or willing to undertake functional skills
A keen interest in Horticulture;
Some general gardening experience;
Experience of using mowers, strimmers or other gardening machinery;
A valid UK driving licence is desirable.
You may enjoy this role if:
You are someone who takes pride in their work;
Enjoy being part of a thriving, successful team;
You have a good sense of initiative.
About The College
We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds.We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.
If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help.Should you require anyreasonable adjustmentsto be made or facilitiesprovided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on so we can make adjustments accordingly.
DISCLOSURE CHECKS
Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online searchand, where applicable, Prohibition checks.If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as spent under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules.It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

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