Grow your career outdoors. Learn, earn, and make a difference.
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.
Work outside, learn new skills, and help shape your local green spaces.
Our Environment & Fleet Management team provide a wide range of integrated services to help keep the environment in which the people of Gateshead live, work and spend their spare time in a clean, safe and attractive condition. This includes parks and green spaces like our beautiful Saltwell and Watergate Parks, as well as other green spaces and countryside management. We're also responsible for vehicle and fleet management across the Council, keeping the fleet on the road and enabling much wider programmes of work, as well as several other areas of responsibility.
Make your mark on your local environment while gaining a recognised qualification.
This apprenticeship with Gateshead Council offers a fantastic opportunity to develop practical horticulture skills while working across our borough's parks and public spaces. As part of a dedicated grounds maintenance team, you'll gain hands-on experience in landscaping, plant care, and environmental upkeep while working towards your Level 2 Horticulture qualification. You'll play a key role in keeping our green spaces safe, clean, and welcoming for the community, all while building valuable skills for a long-term career in horticulture.
What you'll get to do:
What you'll bring:
What's in it for you
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you'll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.
Work outside, learn new skills, and help shape your local green spaces.
Our Environment & Fleet Management team provide a wide range of integrated services to help keep the environment in which the people of Gateshead live, work and spend their spare time in a clean, safe and attractive condition. This includes parks and green spaces like our beautiful Saltwell and Watergate Parks, as well as other green spaces and countryside management. We're also responsible for vehicle and fleet management across the Council, keeping the fleet on the road and enabling much wider programmes of work, as well as several other areas of responsibility.
Make your mark on your local environment while gaining a recognised qualification.
This apprenticeship with Gateshead Council offers a fantastic opportunity to develop practical horticulture skills while working across our borough's parks and public spaces. As part of a dedicated grounds maintenance team, you'll gain hands-on experience in landscaping, plant care, and environmental upkeep while working towards your Level 2 Horticulture qualification. You'll play a key role in keeping our green spaces safe, clean, and welcoming for the community, all while building valuable skills for a long-term career in horticulture.
What you'll get to do:
- Commit to and actively participate in the apprenticeship programme and training, completing required college and workplace learning towards Level 2 Horticulture qualification.
- Carry out grass cutting using pedestrian and ride-on equipment.
- Support grounds maintenance tasks (planting, pruning, and general upkeep).
- Operate tools and machinery safely for general labouring duties.
- Maintain clean public spaces (litter picking, sweeping, bin emptying).
- Follow health and safety procedures at all times.
- Care for and maintain equipment, reporting any faults.
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Represent the organisation professionally with good customer service.
- Carry out physically demanding work safely.
- Work towards obtaining a full UK driving licence if not already completed
What you'll bring:
- GCSEs (Grade 4-9 / A*-C or equivalent) in English and Maths
- A full UK driving licence, or commitment to achieve one within 2 years (at your own expense)
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn, with the ability to follow instructions
- Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to build good working relationships
- An interest in working outdoors, particularly with trees and green spaces
- Good organisational skills and a reliable, punctual approach to work
- Self-motivated and committed to your own development and learning
What's in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info .
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you'll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications