Apprentice/Trainee Groundsperson

(Required for as soon as possible)

Location: St Edmund’s College, Ware, Hertfordshire
Contract Type: Apprenticeship / Trainee – Full-time for a fixed period of employment with the possibility of a permanent position.
Salary: In line with National Minimum Wage

Start your career in grounds maintenance at one of the UK’s leading independent schools.
St Edmund’s College is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Apprentice / Trainee Groundsperson to join our experienced grounds team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to develop practical skills while contributing to the upkeep of our beautiful historic grounds and extensive sports facilities.

About the Role

As an Apprentice / Trainee Groundsperson, you will assist in the day-to-day maintenance and preparation of the College’s sports pitches, gardens, and outdoor areas. You will work alongside skilled grounds staff with the option to study towards a Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship.

Main duties include:

• Assisting with the preparation and maintenance of sports pitches (including rugby, football, cricket, and athletics).
• Helping with mowing, line marking, and general grounds presentation.
• Learning to operate and maintain a range of grounds machinery safely.
• Supporting planting, pruning, and seasonal landscaping tasks.
• Ensuring all work is carried out to high standards of safety and presentation.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Has a positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills.
• Works well as part of a team and takes pride in their work.
• Has good attention to detail and reliability.
• Holds (or is willing to work towards) a full UK driving licence (desirable but not essential).
• No previous experience is required – just enthusiasm, commitment, and a genuine interest in grounds or horticultural work.

We Offer

• A structured apprenticeship training programme (optional).
• Full support from experienced mentors.
• Opportunities to gain industry-recognised qualifications.
• A beautiful and inspiring working environment within the College grounds.
• Staff benefits and access to College facilities.

Whilst not in a teaching role, as an apprentice groundsperson you will be working on a regular basis in a school in a role which gives opportunity for contact with children. As such, you will be in regulated activity and an enhanced DBS check (which includes children’s barred list information) will be required in advance of appointment.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility.  As with all College staff members, you will therefore be responsible for providing a safe environment in which children can learn.

If you would like to apply, please complete an application by the closing date.