Horticulture Apprentice - Level 2

The National Trust is offering a Level 2 Horticulture Apprentice position in Dorking, UK. This role involves hands-on experience in historic gardens, supporting conservation efforts, and maintaining plant collections. No prior experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. The apprenticeship includes training through college and online learning, with opportunities for career advancement. The position requires attendance at review meetings and completion of mandatory training.
Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship, where we’ll support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to protect historic sites, tackle climate change, and help people and nature thrive. You don’t need experience for this role, just plenty 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 our 224 Historic gardens, playing a vital role in delivering our conservation and climate change strategies, helping to undertake the regular tasks and horticultural maintenance, conservation, and care of the gardens to safeguard them for the future.

This role can lead to an Assistant Gardener or Gardener role, and you could potentially move to a Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship after additional experience gained in role.

For more information about our apprenticeship programme please click here: National Trust Jobs :: Apprenticeships.

What it's like to work here:Our gardens are heritage sites, and homes to the most extensive plant collection in Europe, and our gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of plant collections and the gardens to increasing numbers of members and visitors. Our gardens are much loved and visited from far and wide by many and you’ll be part of the team of professionals caring for all aspects of the heritage gardens in the portfolio.

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 and experience. You’ll also be able to join other training events and learn from industry colleagues internally and externally.

Polesden Lacey is located near Dorking, Surrey – it’s a renowned National Trust estate set in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You'll gain hands-on experience in a historic Edwardian garden known for its formal terraces, herbaceous borders, walled rose garden, and wildflower meadows. Tasks include planting, propagation, pruning, turf care, and supporting conservation projects such as the Rose Garden restoration.

Polesden Lacey blends formal design with naturalistic planting, offering a varied learning environment. The gardens were shaped by head gardener Graham Stuart Thomas and continue to evolve within a historic framework, making it a rich setting for developing heritage horticultural skills.

What you'll be doing:Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you’ll develop the skills & knowledge relevant to this apprenticeship standard. (Horticulture or landscape construction operative level 2).

You’ll attend and prepare for regular review meetings with your training provider and be accountable for your own progression. You’ll be required to complete mandatory e-learning, courses and training provided.

Who we're looking forIn addition to the qualities listed in the role profile, we’d love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:
• A minimum of 2 GCSE’s which must include 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
• Not in full time education
• Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three consecutive years before starting the apprenticeship
• Not on any other training or education programme (e.g. studying towards an apprenticeship or degree)
• Able to travel to 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’ll be enrolled on functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship – this will be optional if you are 19 or over, but we’ll support you to complete when offered.

If you have a qualification in the same or a related subject to this apprenticeship or have substantial relevant work experience this may exclude you from Government funding – this will be verified if your application progresses.

The packageThe 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 places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as 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 Trust places

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 12/05/27)