An Apprenticeship with the National Trust Garden team. 

We employ more than 600 gardeners, from Apprentices and Assistant Gardeners to Head Gardeners and Garden Managers We care for over 200 gardens and 190 historic parklands reflecting 500 years of UK garden history. Our gardens are home to the largest plant collection in Europe. Our gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of our gardens and plant collections for an increasing number of members and visitors. We also support people’s access to nature and heritage through partner projects within our city centres. Our gardeners are responsible for their care, conservation and regular maintenance to share with our ever expanding audience.

To apply for this role, please submit a covering letter that introduces yourself and answers the following questions:

⦁ What do you understand about the Apprenticeship scheme?

⦁ What do you know about the National Trust, and what attracts you to this role?

⦁ What skills do you think would be the most important for a Crop Technician Garden Apprentice based in our kitchen garden?  

This can lead to an assistant gardener or gardener role and potentially move to an L3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship after the additional experience. 

What it's like to work here

Acquired by the National Trust in 2002 the garden at Tyntesfield is extensive and varied and includes a productive walled kitchen garden, Orangery, cut flower garden, glasshouses, rose garden, formal terraces, arboretum and boating lake. Built by the Gibbs family in the 19th century  using profits from the sale of guano the garden has remained relatively unchanged since the early 1900’s. The kitchen garden includes a variety of walled trained fruit and is planted annually with a wide range of vegetables, some of which are used in the onsite restaurant. You will be working with a team of 7 garden staff (one of which is based in the kitchen garden) and over 35 volunteers. 

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, commonly known simply as the National Trust, is an independent charity and membership organisation for environmental and heritage conservation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is the largest conservation charity in the United Kingdom.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be working with your Trust Line Manager/ Mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, as part of the wider team, and working outdoors in all weathers. You’ll attend, and prepare for, monthly review meetings with your Provider Mentor and be accountable for your progression concerning the Apprenticeship Standard. You’ll be required to complete and upload relevant evidence to the appropriate e-portfolio system to document your progress and maintain timesheets for Off-the-Job training. You’ll abide by the Trust’s ways of working and uphold our Values and Behaviours. You’ll be required to complete mandatory e-learning courses and training and prepare for exams if applicable.  You’ll need to attend six block weeks of training at our nominated college for your garden, with all travel, food and accommodation costs covered.

Who we're looking for

Applications will be assessed against the below criteria, as well as the content of your cover letter

The minimum standards required for this role are:

⦁ Team player with the ability to work independently or as part of a wider team

⦁ Keen to learn, be committed to self-development and enthusiastic about acquiring new skills 

⦁ A genuine passion for gardening, nature and the outdoors

⦁ Good attention to detail

⦁ 5 GCSEs at grades C/4 including English and maths or equivalent and 2 A levels or equivalent

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most locations

• Independent financial advice