Hadlow College is offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Horticulture Team as Horticultural & Landscape Operative Apprentice. If you enjoy working outdoors, want to learn more about horticulture and grounds maintenance, and are looking to start your career in a land-based environment, this could be the perfect role for you!

You’ll be working across our beautiful 100-acre campus, which includes formal gardens, woodland walks, lakes, and Japanese-style gardens. As an apprentice, you will develop a wide range of practical horticultural skills while supporting the team in keeping the grounds safe, clean, and attractive.

What You'll Be Doing (with support and training):
• Assisting with the maintenance of the College’s gardens and outdoor spaces.
• Learning how to care for turf, hedges, borders, and plants.
• Helping with planting, watering, weeding, and seasonal tasks.
• Supporting in the use and care of tools and horticultural machinery.
• Contributing to the overall upkeep and presentation of the campus.

What We’re Looking For:
• A genuine interest in horticulture and working outdoors in all seasons.
• Willingness to learn, follow instructions, and work as part of a team.
• Good time management and a positive attitude.
• No prior experience needed – just enthusiasm and a commitment to learning!

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a supportive and friendly environment, while working toward a nationally recognised horticulture qualification - Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard. All training will be completed on site at Hadlow College.

Apply now and grow your career from the ground up with Hadlow College!

The Role:

Where you’ll work: This role is based at our Hadlow campus.

Your hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum.

Your pay: National Apprenticeship Wage

The College:

North Kent College (including Hadlow College) is proudly rated as an Ofsted ‘Good’ provider, with ‘Outstanding’ learner behaviours and attitudes (April 2024). With four campuses across Kent and 4,000 students, we strive to equip the young people who study here with an inclusive and innovative education experience to enhance their future career prospects, which, as noted by Ofsted, is supported through our high-quality, industry standard facilities. Each and every staff member plays a key part in delivering the success of our learners’ experience, and we want those who join our curriculum and support teams to share our passion in achieving this.

The Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect the following:

• 20 days’ annual leave (including Christmas / New Year break) plus bank holidays (full time equivalent).
• Enrolment onto the People’s Partnership pension scheme (as part of the staff of North Kent College Business Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of North Kent College).
• Access to free parking and a range of onsite facilities, including gyms, restaurants and coffee shops.

How to Apply:

If this sounds like the next role for you, please visit the North Kent College staff vacancies page to see the full job description and apply.

Please note that the closing date for applications is 20 August 2025, with interviews scheduled to take place on 2 September 2025.

North Kent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff have a responsibility to share and maintain this commitment. In line with the requirements of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, appropriate safeguarding checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken on all individuals selected for appointment. Posts at the College, a specified establishment where the work gives opportunity for contact with children, are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to complete and submit prior to their interview a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Further guidance / information from the Ministry of Justice can be found on GOV.UK.