Employer information
Apprenticeships can provide a business with substantial benefits, bringing a combination of productive, enthusiastic and loyal staff to your company. It is reported on Writtle University College that 80% of companies who employ apprentices have a workplace that is more productive, with 88% of employers who employ apprentices believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce, you don’t need to be a large company to take on an Apprentice.For more information visit the following links:
- Writtle University College Apprenticeships
- Royal Botanical Gardens Kew – Apprenticeship in Botanical Horticulture
- RHS apprenticeships
An apprentice will be employed and requiring a contract of employment for at least the duration of the Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships can from 1 – 4 years, depending on the level of Apprenticeship as well as the Apprentices prior experience and the course they are enrolled on.
Employing an Apprentice
- Wages – the current minimum wage rate for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour, aged under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. Thereafter apprentices must be paid at least the minimum wage rate for their age or if the apprentice is aged 19 or over and have completed your first year.
- Hours – Apprentices must be paid for their normal working hours as well as training that’s part of the apprenticeship (usually one day per week)
- Holiday – apprentices will be entitled to at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
For further guidance visit www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide/pay-and-conditions
Review the Job Brief
As the employer it is important that you have a clear vision of the role, knowing your must-haves nice-to-haves and training opportunities for candidates.
Familiarise yourself with the candidate’s CV
Review the CV to gain an overall impression of the candidate. An interview is an opportunity to asked detailed questions. Take a copy of the CV to the interview; a CV is a very useful reference tool.
Prepare your interview questions
Prepare a number of specific interview questions to consistently ask candidates. This is important when interviewing multiple candidates as it will enable you to compare answers. Do not limit conversation to these specific questions; an interview is your opportunity to gain a better understanding of your candidate.
Introduction/Explain what the interview will involve
Introduce yourself and your role within the company. Let your candidate know the structure of the interview.
Give an overview of your company/what the role will involve
Provide the candidate with some company history and let them know how the role has become available. Advise the candidate of the duties and responsibilities that will be involved.
Questions
Use the specific questions that you have previously prepared. Alongside these questions ask the candidate questions that relate to their previous work experience, qualifications and aspirations. Candidates should be given the opportunity to ask questions of their own, so ensure you are fully prepared.
Advise the candidate of the next stage in the recruitment process
Provide the candidate with an estimated timescales for making a decision and providing feedback.
Horticultural Associations
The GCA offers its members a range of benefits but at the core of its activities is the garden centre customer experience. GCA members, large and small, set the benchmark for high retailing standards within the industry which others can only aspire to. The Association can state, that it represents the leading garden centres within the UK and worldwide as part of its membership of the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA). Find out more
Benefits that members enjoy include biennial conferences, regional and national meetings, a seed-exchange programme and access to a legal helpline. The Guild produces an employment ‘job sheet’, which is sent out to members who are looking for work. It also maintains a register of self employed members, which is made available to members of the public looking for professional help. For information regarding salaries for various levels of employment within the gardening section click here.
Looking to recruit?
Let us know your recruitment needs and a member of the horticruitment team will be in touch.
Place your own private advert, where applicants will apply direct to you.
Our website advertising Terms and Conditions can be viewed here.
We are the horticruitment specialists
View our vacancies for the professional gardener seeking new opportunities within Country Estates or large private gardens.
Check out our opportunities within the landscape Construction and Grounds Maintenance sectors ranging from general operative to senior/executive positions.
See our latest list of nursery/commercial grower vacancies ranging from junior positions through to production managers and senior nursery managers
Opportunities working for local, national and multi-national companies, supplying goods and services within the horticultural sector.
View our range of retail vacancies within independent garden centres and retail nurseries as well as large garden centre chains.
We regularly work for horticulturally based companies throughout the world who offer challenging and rewarding opportunities in a new and exciting environment.