Apprentice Horticulturalist x2

Location: Botanic Garden: Rose Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AZ

Arboretum: Oxford Lodge, Peacock Gate, Oxford, OX44 9PX

Salary: Apprentice Grade 01A: £25,331 per annum

About the role

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is recruiting two Apprentice Horticulturalists to join its dedicated and enthusiastic team. The team is responsible for the cultivation and maintenance of the plant collections at Oxford’s historic University Botanic Garden. As an Apprentice, you will develop skills in cultivating a wide range of plants in both the garden and glasshouses. 

Through training and direct hands-on experience, the Apprentice Horticulturist’s main responsibilities and duties will include, developing skills in general maintenance of the area of the Botanic Garden to which they are assigned, working closely with the Horticultural Team to learn skills in cultivation of the plant collections, learning about safe use of machinery and ladders, answering enquiries from the public, attending botanical and horticultural training and attending staff meetings and staff events. 

About the apprenticeship

As part of this role, you will undertake an Apprenticeship with Abingdon & Witney College, where you will complete a Level 2 Horticulture & Landscape Operative Apprenticeship which is within the Horticulture sector, and you will gain a Level 2 qualification. College attendance and successful completion of these studies is an essential requirement of this Apprenticeship. 

In total, it will take 2 years to complete all elements of the apprenticeship, with support from the Department, University, and College throughout. 

About You

You will be able to demonstrate an aptitude and enthusiasm for plants and working in horticulture (for example through work experience, qualifications or references). 

You will be educated to GCSE standard or equivalent including English and Maths. 

You will have the ability to communicate clearly and accurately. 

Experience of Microsoft applications including Word and Excel is also essential. 

What we offer

Our apprentices are never on their own, you will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region. 

You will receive 38 days’ annual leave inclusive of Bank Holiday and fixed closure dates, discounted travel, an excellent contributory pension scheme, and student discount. You will also be part of the University’s annual apprenticeship awards. 

How to apply

Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description.    

As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the Apprenticeship Training Provider (Abingdon & Witney College) and will be required to complete initial assessments in English and Maths, provide an up-to-date CV and book onto a short eligibility assessment telephone call where you can also find out more about the apprenticeship and ask any questions you may have. By applying for this vacancy, you are giving the Training Provider permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. 

Only applications received via the Find an Apprenticeship website by 12.00 midday on Thursday 17 July 2025 will be considered.  Interviews are expected to take place during mid-August. 

To apply for this apprenticeship and review the job description please click the 'Apply' link above 

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