Apprentice Environmental services operative

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Horticulture Level 2 Apprenticeship – Find an apprenticeship – GOV.UK

Oldham college will be leading recruitment for this vacancy

Environmental Services Operative Apprentice (Level 2)

Location: Oldham
Salary: National Minimum Wage
Hours: 37 hours per week
College: Oldham College – Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship

Grow your future with First Choice Homes Oldham

Do you enjoy working outdoors, being active and making a visible difference in your local community?

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is looking for an enthusiastic Environmental Services Operative Apprentice to join our Neighbourhood Care team.

This is an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn and complete a recognised Level 2 Horticulture qualification through Oldham College.

You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues, helping us maintain attractive, safe and welcoming outdoor and communal spaces for our customers and communities.

No two days will be the same. You’ll gain practical experience in grounds maintenance, environmental services, caretaking and the cleaning and upkeep of communal areas.

About the role

Working across our neighbourhoods, you’ll learn how to:

• Cut grass and maintain lawned areas
• Trim hedges, prune plants and maintain planted areas
• Carry out planting, seeding and weeding
• Clear leaves, litter and other waste
• Help remove fly-tipping from communal spaces
• Empty bins and help keep shared areas clean and tidy
• Paint and maintain outdoor furniture and signs
• Support the upkeep of play areas, recreational spaces and artificial pitches
• Carry out seasonal work, including clearing snow and ice
• Identify and report graffiti, vandalism, repairs and environmental defects
• Use hand tools, powered equipment and grounds maintenance machinery safely
• Complete daily checks and basic maintenance of tools and equipment
• Safely store equipment and report any faults or damage
• Support community activities, environmental projects and local events
• Communicate politely and professionally with customers and members of the public
• Follow health and safety procedures and safe systems of work

As your skills and confidence develop, you’ll learn to use a wider range of equipment under supervision, including ride-on mowers, mechanical sweeping equipment and tractor-mounted machinery.

You’ll also attend Oldham College on agreed dates and complete your college work to the required standard.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in horticulture, grounds maintenance or environmental services
• Enjoys practical, active and hands-on work
• Is happy to work outdoors throughout the year and in different weather conditions
• Is reliable, punctual and willing to learn
• Can follow instructions and work safely
• Has good listening and communication skills
• Takes pride in completing work to a high standard
• Is polite and respectful when speaking with customers and members of the public
• Can work effectively as part of a team
• Is comfortable undertaking physical work and manual handling
• Is committed to completing both the practical and classroom elements of the apprenticeship

Previous work experience or a placement in a similar environment would be helpful, but it isn’t essential. We’re primarily looking for someone with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to learn.

Entry requirements

You’ll need to meet the entry requirements for the Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship delivered by Oldham College.

You’ll need:

• GCSE Grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent qualification, in Maths and English

A full UK driving licence would be desirable because the role involves working across different neighbourhoods and using service vehicles and equipment.

What you’ll receive

• Paid employment while gaining a nationally recognised qualification
• A Level 2 Horticulture qualification through Oldham College
• Dedicated time to complete your college learning
• Practical, hands-on training
• Support and mentoring from experienced Environmental Services colleagues
• Training in the safe use of tools, machinery and equipment
• Appropriate PPE and equipment
• Ongoing coaching and development
• Excellent employee benefits, including generous annual leave, a pension scheme and healthcare cash plan
• Valuable experience to support a future career in horticulture, grounds maintenance or environmental services

At FCHO, we’re passionate about investing in local people and creating cleaner, greener and more attractive neighbourhoods.

Join us and start building a career that allows you to work outdoors, learn new skills and make a real difference to the communities of Oldham.

Interested?

Please submit your application before 11th August 2026.

Interview and Assessment dates to be confirmed.   

Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. 

We are committed to building an organisation that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, skills and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.   As an equal opportunities employer, FCHO is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective colleagues and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.  We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. 

We care that you have a great experience with us at FCHO and if you need us to make any reasonable adjustments to make your experience smoother, please let us know and we’ll do all we can.