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Groundsperson Apprentice

Whickham School · Newcastle Upon Tyne · posted 14 July 2026

Wage
£15,704 a year
Hours
37 hours a week
Duration
2 Years
Level
Intermediate (Level 2)
Standard
Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Starts
1 September 2026
Closing date
31 July 2026
Positions
1

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

As part of our Estates Team, no two days are the same. You'll gain experience across all aspects of grounds maintenance whilst supporting the wider operation of a busy secondary school.

You will:

  • Maintain sports pitches, lawns, landscaped areas and outdoor spaces
  • Learn to operate and maintain a range of horticultural machinery and equipment
  • Plant, cultivate and maintain shrubs, trees, borders and flower beds
  • Assist with turf management, grass cutting and seasonal grounds maintenance
  • Help identify and control weeds, pests and plant diseases
  • Carry out routine inspections of outdoor areas to ensure they remain safe and well presented
  • Support the Estates Team with general site maintenance and caretaking duties
  • Assist with setting up school events and maintaining the school environment
  • Learn safe working practices, environmental management and health and safety procedures
  • Work alongside experienced colleagues who will support your development throughout the apprenticeship

Your training

The successful apprentice will complete the Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship Standard over approximately 24 months.

As part of the apprenticeship you will also achieve:

  • Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
  • Level 2 Award in the Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1)
  • Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides Using Hand Held Equipment (PA6)
  • Functional Skills in English and maths where required
  • Training will take place through a combination of workplace learning at Whickham School and one day per week at Kirkley Hall Campus, Northumberland College
  • You'll be supported by both your workplace mentor and your apprenticeship tutor throughout the programme

Where it leads

  • This apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for a career in horticulture, grounds maintenance and estates management
  • Subject to performance and business needs, there may be opportunities for permanent employment within the Estates Team
  • We are committed to supporting ongoing development and would encourage successful apprentices to undertake further qualifications in estates management, caretaking and facilities management

About Whickham School

Whickham School is a high-performing and oversubscribed 11 to 18 secondary school in Gateshead, where students and staff thrive together. We are committed to providing an outstanding learning environment and take great pride in our school site and facilities.

Our Estates Team plays a vital role in ensuring our grounds and buildings remain safe, welcoming and well maintained. As an apprentice, you'll become part of a supportive team who are passionate about developing future talent and helping you build the skills needed for a successful career.

Things to consider

  • This is a practical role which involves working outdoors throughout the year in a variety of weather conditions
  • Some tasks involve lifting, carrying and operating machinery, with full training and appropriate PPE provided

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsCustomer care skillsAnalytical skillsTeam workingCreativeInitiativePhysical fitnessReliablePunctualPositiveMaintains high standards

Entry requirements

  • GCSE English (grade 3-9) — essential
  • GCSE Maths (grade 3-9) — essential

Where you'll work

  • Burnt House Lane, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 5AR

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