Job Description

Join Deakin Oak as a gardening apprentice and work with professionals trained at Plumpton College. Help manage 150+ acres of gardens across East Sussex, balancing customer needs with nature. Learn from experts passionate about conservation and meaningful design. We are proud members of The Gardeners Guild.

As this is an apprenticeship, you will attend Plumpton College for your learning one day per week during term time.

Hours

: 30 hours per week. Monday - Friday. 08.30am to 4.00pm.

Salary

: 11,778 per annum

Application deadline

: 11th July 2025

Work Location

: Our yard is based in Cross-in Hand, TN21, but we work in various locations around Uckfield and Heathfield.

About the Employer

Deakin Oak is a team of dedicated professionals who take great pride in managing the outdoor spaces and gardens of the Weald, and East Sussex. With expertise in conservation, ecology, horticulture and estate management, we understand the importance of creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable.

We believe that a well-maintained outdoor space should not only look beautiful, but also do its part to support the local ecosystem. By balancing the needs of people and nature, Deakin Oak creates outdoor spaces that are a joy to be in and contribute positively to the environment.

What will the apprentice be doing?

Day to day duties will vary but will include:

Getting hands-on with planting, preparing the soil, and setting up garden beds with techniques that make plants thrive. Trimming and shape shrubs and trees to keep them healthy and looking great while helping the overall balance of the garden. Taking care of lawns by mowing, edging, or aerating to keep the grass lush and neat. Learning about composting and mulching, turning waste into rich soil and keeping the gardens nourished and protected. Going with the flow of the seasons - whether it's planting spring flowers, maintaining summer greenery, or prepping gardens for winter, there's always something exciting to do.

Training Provider: Plumpton College

Training at Plumpton College will be one day per week during term time. You will achieve an intermediate apprenticeship upon successful completion of your end point assessment.

Plumpton College is a specialist training provider for the land, environment, animal science and food production sectors with a campus in the heart of the South Downs. We offer a variety of courses from, degrees, masters, part time and apprenticeships across 15 core subject areas which include horticulture, wine, bakery, butchery, agriculture (arable and livestock), forestry, and engineering.

What apprentices will learn

The Level 2 Horticulture/ Landscape operative apprenticeship includes:

Emergency first aid: Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work. Pesticides: PA1 Importance and application of health and safety legislation Codes of practice and policies, including risk assessment, manual handling etc Concepts of good environmental and sustainable good practices, including an understanding of how to contribute to government led sustainability and zero carbon targets Environmental controls and compliance with regulations including pollution control, waste reduction, management and recycling. Impact of environmental conditions on plant growth and health Soil science including soil formation, characteristics, texture and components, biological processes and their impact on plant growth. Situations where special care should be taken including where heritage, environmental or planning designations may be present. The importance of complying with rules in place to protect the site. Maintenance, operational requirements, pre start checks and legislation for tools, equipment and machinery including operator competence requirements. The importance of maintaining records in a business setting. Methods for identifying plants and plant biology Main introduction routes for plant pests and diseases Biosecurity and phytosanitary measures Techniques for clearing sites and controlling weeds including identification and reasons for removal, techniques for control (including chemical) and situations for use Cultivate, improve and preserve soils by mechanical methods and or by hand including amelioration and mulching Types of turf, installation of turf and mowing of turf Use of digital tools and techniques for research and collaboration Put safety first and customer care Role of business policies, vision and values How project management informs a team to achieve objectives Propagate plants by cuttings and seed sowing (this might be indoors or outdoors). Including selection of suitable growing media and or soil Provide aftercare to recently installed turf and maintain established turf or species rich meadows including irrigation, maintenance, monitoring health and protection from use Identify if plants are suitable to site, purpose and aesthetics Maintain soft landscapes for example - staking or support, division, seasonal clearance, and re-planting Monitor and control plant pests, pathogens, and disorders using basic control methods (including application of chemicals or organic equivalents) Plant herbaceous and seasonal planting (for example bedding, herbs or bulbs) Prune plants to achieve healthy growth and form (including natural habit and formal or trained form) English and maths: Apprentices aged 16-18 without level 2 English and maths must achieve level 1 and take the test for level 2 before taking the end-point assessment.

Essential Criteria for the role:

Organisation skills Customer care skills Detail Oriented Physical Fitness Team working Reliable Adaptable Punctual Strong work ethic Willingness to learn on the job A genuine interest in Horticulture.

Qualifications:

Math and English GCSE Grade 4 desirable or discussion for completion of Functional Skills Maths and English if not achieved.

Things to consider

Having access to your own transport is highly recommended due to our rural location. Much of the work is outside in all weathers. The work itself will be quite physical. During peak season, early starts will be required. Being prepared for this is important. Free Uniform and all necessary equipment will be provided. There will be the potential for bonuses based on performance. You

MUST

not be in any other form of full-time or part time formal education (such as school, college or university) to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. Shorter course may not apply. You

MUST

have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and be eligible to work in the UK. You

MUST

be located in an area local to the apprenticeship or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study. This apprenticeship is approximately 24 months.
Job Type: Apprenticeship

Pay: 11,778.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events
Application question(s):

Do you hold a UK driving license, if yes, do you own a car? What would you bring to the team? Why do you wish to pursue a career in an outdoor sector, specifically gardening sector?
Work Location: In person