City Gardens Apprentice Gardener

Garden Maintenance

To undertake general horticultural maintenance such as grass cutting, pruning, planting, irrigation, edge- strimming, pruning, annual seasonal bedding, weeding and clearance/maintenance of hard surfaces, drains/gulleys /ponds, under supervision. To undertake basic repair, maintenance and installation of
fences/barriers/gates/bollards and the repair, maintenance & installation of seats, signs, paths and bins, under supervision. Use basic hand/power tools and grounds maintenance equipment under supervision. To pick up litter and dispose of it safely through the use of a Litter Pick and emptying bins, including bag removal and bag replacement. Sweeping the footpaths so as to keep the City Gardens in a clean and tidy condition at all times. To learn and assist the Gardeners and Team Leaders with hard and soft landscaping projects, including the preparation of ground, paving, simple construction, planting, including trees/shrubs and other general landscaping operations.

Communication and Responsibilities

To attend monthly staff meetings and learn about the site specific project meetings as appropriate. To work as part of a team with the aim of ensuring productive working relationships within the team and with other employees, Team Leaders and external agencies. To attend college one day per week as part of the City of London Apprenticeship Programme, and complete coursework and examinations in a timely fashion and to the best of your ability.

Customer Care

To provide a highly visible presence to engender a sense of well-being for customers and to speak to members of the public to ensure they are aware of the work of the City Gardens section. To assist in promoting City Gardens to local schools, colleges and other City Gardens service groups.

Health & Safety and Other Matters

To ensure that you observe departmental safety procedures and use safe working practices specifically with regard to PPE, and adherence to COSHH and Risk Assessments, reporting accidents and near misses to your Supervisor. Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy in relation to the duties of the post, and at all times give due regard to the health and safety of both themselves and others when carrying out their duties. Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Equal Opportunity Policy and the objective to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the duties of the post. To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested appropriate to the grade

Training:

You will be supported to achieve the Horticulture Level 2 apprenticeship. Theoretical training will be delivered by the training provider. Practical training and support will be given in the workplace, allowing you to embed your learning in the working environment. You will receive 6 hours per week to support your apprenticeship studies. 

Training Outcome:

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, we aim to offer the opportunity to progress to a level 3 apprenticeship, then a permanent role within the team if a position is available. Alternatively, we shall endeavour to secure an alternative position within the City of London Corporation. 

Employer Description:
The City Corporation with a rich history that precedes parliament, the City Corporation has been an ever constant throughout history adapting in order to meet modern demands of the City it serves, and is home to some of the world’s most striking modern architecture. The City of London Corporation forms part of London as a whole, along with the 32 London Boroughs who have responsibility for local government services within their local area. Based at the Guildhall the City Corporation looks after and promotes the City of London.

Working Hours :
Monday to Thursday 7.30 am – 3.30 pm, Friday 7.30 am – 3 pm. Two 30-minute breaks at 9 am and 1 ppm – one paid, one unpaid. Flexibility may be required to support business needs.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience,Physical fitness