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Apprentice Grounds Operative

Manvers Waterfront Boat Club · Wath Upon Dearne · posted 21 August 2026

Wage
£12,480 a year
Hours
30 hours a week
Duration
2 Years
Level
Intermediate (Level 2)
Standard
Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Starts
21 September 2026
Closing date
14 September 2026
Positions
1

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

Your training and responsibilities as a Ground Operative Apprentice, will include (but not be limited to) the following:

  • Follow the maintenance programme in grass cutting, strimming, pruning, planting and the aftercare of a wide variety of trees, shrubs and other plants.
  • Ensure equipment is correctly maintained, operated and kept secure.
  • Carry out waste management duties.
  • Maintain clean working areas and equipment.

You’ll learn side-by-side with experienced Ground Keepers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, giving you hands-on exposure to a wide range of tasks and a real understanding of how the whole business operates. With dedicated mentoring and support, you’ll build confidence, develop skills, and lay strong foundations for a long-term career.

 

If you’re motivated, eager to learn, and ready to take your first step with a supportive business, apply now. This opportunity at Mavers Lakes will be highly sought after — don’t miss your chance to get started.

Your training

The successful candidate will continue their studies with apprenticeship specialists, RNN Group at one of their campuses on a day release format, training will mainly be on the job and working with experienced staff giving you the training and support you need to become all-rounded and successful. 

Where it leads

Further industry appropriate training.

About Manvers Waterfront Boat Club

Manvers Lake was created in the 1990's as part of the remediation works following the closure of the Wath Main & Manvers Main colliery complex and associated railway yards.

 

One of the largest collieries was Manvers Main which incorporated what was at one time the biggest coking plant in Western Europe. From 1950 to 1956, Manvers became the centre of coal output from the collieries known as the South Manvers complex that were linked below ground, including Wath Main, Barnburgh Colliery and Kilnhurst.

 

The colliery complex was closed on 25th March 1988 and the regeneration that has taken place since those smog filled days is astounding. After closure, the site remained derelict until the mid-1990s, when Rotherham Council initiated an ambitious regeneration programme. Manvers, Wath Main Colliery and the Wath railway marshalling yard were demolished, cleared of contamination and landscaped. The site was given a new lease of life with the development of business parks, a nature reserve and the creation of Manvers Lake.

In addition to its amenity and recreational value, the lake also serves a functional purpose as a balancing lake forming part of a sustainable urban drainage scheme for the surrounding residential and industrial developments.

Things to consider

Manvers Lakes are looking for someone who can get there in a morning punctually (think about the location of the business and transport links), listen/learn and use their own initiative to quickly become a valued and productive member of the team. Must be comfortable working outdoors throughout the year.

Successful candidates will need to pass an advanced DBS Check.

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsCustomer care skillsProblem solving skillsLogicalTeam workingInitiativePatiencePhysical fitnessInterest in horticultureSome knowledge of open spacesFlexibilityGood attitude to workSome DIY knowledgeTact & DiplomacyAbility to prioritise workloadAbility to work independently

Entry requirements

  • GCSE Maths & English (grade A*-C/9-4) — desired

Where you'll work

  • THE BOATHOUSE, STATION ROAD, WATH UPON DEARNE, ROTHERHAM, S63 7DG

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