Summary
Train in horticulture and grounds maintenance at Aston Villa Football Club. Gain hands-on experience, learn from experienced staff, and build skills across landscaped areas and lawns in a professional environment. Complete recognised apprenticeship training while developing the practical skills needed for a career in horticulture.
What you will do at work
- Prepare and maintain landscaped areas and lawns to a high standard
- Carry out grass cutting, lawn care, pruning, weeding and leaf removal
- Plant and care for trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants
- Support re-turfing, soft landscaping and propagation work
- Assist with soil preparation, mulching, watering and seasonal planting tasks
- Help identify and maintain plant health through routine care and monitoring
- Use hand tools and light machinery safely and effectively
- Support the safe use, cleaning and basic maintenance of tools and equipment
- Store tools and equipment safely and keep them in good working order
- Carry out horticultural work in surrounding car park areas when required
- Follow health and safety procedures at all times, including the safe use of machinery, equipment and protective clothing
- Complete required record keeping and follow internal procedures
- Develop knowledge of horticultural practices, grounds maintenance and industry standards as part of the apprenticeship
- Work with the gardening team on tasks across Club sites as needed
Training
- The successful applicant will work towards the Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship Standard.
As part of the apprenticeship, they will also complete the following:
- Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- LANTRA Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides
- LANTRA Level 2 Award in Safe Application of Pesticides Using Hand-Held Equipment
- Functional Skills in English and maths, if required
- The apprentice will be required to attend Sutton Coldfield College (B74 2NW) one day per week on day release as part of the apprenticeship programme. This will support the completion of their 20% off-the-job training requirement.
Requirements and skills
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Team working
- Physical fitness
- Proactive
- Enthusiastic
- Passionate about horticulture
- Willing to learn
Qualifications
- GCSE or equivalent English (4/C or above) – desired
- GCSE or equivalent Maths (4/C or above) – desired
About this employer
Aston Villa Football Club is one of the most historic and well-known football clubs in England, competing at the highest level of the game. The Club offers a unique and exciting working environment, where high standards, teamwork and pride in the workplace are at the heart of everything it does.
As an apprentice gardener, you will be part of the team helping to maintain the Club’s professional training ground and wider estate to an excellent standard. This is a great opportunity to start your career in horticulture while gaining hands-on experience in a prestigious sporting environment.
Aston Villa Football Club is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive workplace and is dedicated to safeguarding children and adults at risk.
After this apprenticeship
Successful completion of this apprenticeship could lead to a permanent role within grounds maintenance, landscaping or horticulture, depending on business needs and performance. It will also provide a strong foundation for further training and development within the horticulture and estates sector.
Things to consider
- This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
- The successful applicant will need to be willing to work outdoors in most weather conditions and travel between Club sites, including Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Villa Park and Brookvale.
- Flexibility is required, as the role may involve occasional evenings, weekends, and changes to working hours depending on operational needs and weather conditions.
- A full UK driving licence is essential.