Apprentice Landscaper

We have an exciting opportunity to join our award-winning Grounds Teams as an Apprentice Landscaper on a 2-year course, delivered by BCA (Berkshire College of Agriculture) where you will attend one day a week.

With 1450 acres of land, we consider the outside areas of Eton College to be equally as important as the classrooms, particularly with all the Sports and Co-curricular activities available to the students.

The role will involve undertaking all landscape maintenance such as grass cutting, hedge cutting, strimming, meadow cutting, tree maintenance, fencing, shed building, “Pinks” (the name for a maintenance request here at Eton College) and any other work directed by the Landscape Supervisor or Deputy Grounds Manager. All works are to be carried out to an exceptionally high standard and in an efficient and effective way in line with departmental plans and programmes. 

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.

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 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 College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

• Maintenance and repairs of allocated tasks (“Pinks”);
• Maintaining and replacing College fences;
• Shed removal and installation;
• Soft and hard landscaping; 
• Trees and hedge maintenance; 
• Grass cutting including meadows;
• Carry out specific projects as directed;  
• Learning 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 college health and safety policy statement; 
• To ensure own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by your own 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 and 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 and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not 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

• L2 Landscape Construction 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

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

• GCSE English and Maths Grade 4 or above or willing to undertake functional skills
• A keen Interest in Horticulture;
• General knowledge and experience in fencing;
• Awareness and interest in the environment;
• 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

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 any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on (url removed) 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 search and, 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.