Gardener Apprentice - Level 2

Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship where we will support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to tackle climate change, protect historic sites and help people and nature thrive. You don’t need experience for this role, just loads 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 one of 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. On successful completion you will have a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Horticulture, taking your first steps towards a future career in gardening.

Interviews will take place in July. This role will start in October 2026 and runs for 19 months. For any queries relating to this apprenticeship, please contact apprenti

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.

You will develop skills in practical gardening techniques, health and safety awareness, plant and site maintenance, teamwork and problem-solving.

Designing a sustainable future is at the heart of our vision for Shugborough and training is at the core of what we do. You’ll experience the best of horticulture, get involved with our on‑going developments in the Walled Garden and Pleasure Grounds, and discover our newest garden Arcadia.

Working in a team of six, you’ll experience and develop a range of practical horticulture skills. You'll help with hard and soft landscaping and general maintenance of the garden, such as mulching, pruning, leaf clearing and weeding. You’ll plant and maintain trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and help cut the hedges and mow our lawns.

Working alongside your mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills and knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard Horticultural Operative Level 2.

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.

You’ll attend regular review meetings with your training provider and be accountable for your own progression.

We would love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:

• A minimum of 2 GCSEs including 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
• Have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the past three consecutive years
• Not currently on any other training or education programme (e.g. another apprenticeship or a degree)
• Able to travel to the 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 may be enrolled on functional skills level 2 as part of your apprenticeship.

Once you’ve checked you’re eligible, please use your application to tell us how you demonstrate the following Knowledge,

Skills and Experience:

• Ready to start your apprenticeship – no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm
• Positive, curious and up for learning – motivated, open‑minded and keen to grow
• Confident to speak and happy to listen – you help people feel heard and included
• A great team player – flexible,…