Apprentice Horticulturalist Review

by University of Oxford

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My role requires me to carry out horticultural practices which include watering the plants, feeding the plants with nutrients, carrying out pest control measures, removing weeds, sowing seeds, planting up plants or planting them out, mowing and trimming lawns, general tidying, occasional weekend work and interacting with customers.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt how to sow seeds, weed areas effectively, repot plants, use machinery such as chippers and leaf blowers, use a Dosatron, clean the glasshouses, identify pests and diseases, and started to increase my knowledge of plant names.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my programme very much as the work is a mixture of glasshouse work with the tropical collections and outside work in the garden along with college work. I have learnt so much already and I feel the programme is providing me the knowledge I need to progress.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The college have organised the course well to allow us to gain as much theory knowledge and practical experience as possible. The Botanic Garden have also provided small projects and a lot of practical experience which will benefit me when I move on from this apprenticeship.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My employer provides some time in work to complete college work and they have been able to provide some bespoke training sessions linked to the Botanic Garden. I have meetings with my line manager regularly to assess how I am getting on and to discuss what support I might need.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

My college tutor is very supportive and is happy to look at my work. He keeps a track of how we are getting on and carries out regular tutorials. The college have offered to carry out specific training tasks if we are unable to complete certain tasks at work.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It provides me with basic background information which is invaluable in the workplace. I have used several of the practical techniques learnt at college at my workplace.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

The Garden runs a series of talks based on Horticulture which staff members are allowed to attend for free.

6/10

9a. Would you recommend University of Oxford to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They are a good employer and provide several benefits including a good pension.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to University of Oxford?

Be open, confident and do not be put off by the prestige of the University. All the people I have met at work have been lovely. They want to see your passion for the job you are applying for.