Trainee Grounds Maintenance Assistant (apprenticeship development role)

This role provides an excellent opportunity to begin a career in grounds maintenance and horticulture within one of the UK's leading universities. As a Trainee Grounds Maintenance Assistant, you will develop practical skills and experience while working alongside experienced professionals responsible for maintaining Durham University's stunning grounds, gardens and landscaped spaces. Combining hands-on work with a structured apprenticeship programme, you will gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to build a successful career in the sector.

Throughout your development journey, you will receive training, guidance and support to help you grow in confidence and capability while making a valued contribution to the University's estate. Working across the University's extensive and diverse estate, you will learn how to undertake a wide range of grounds and gardening activities, from routine maintenance and planting to supporting larger landscaping and improvement projects.

You will work with the Grounds and Gardens and Botanic Garden teams, developing specialist skills through a combination of practical experience and formal study towards an NVQ Level 2 qualification in Amenity Horticulture. The qualification will form part of a development plan focusing on the requirements of the Grade 2 Grounds Maintenance Assistant role.

This development role has been designed to provide a clear pathway to a Grounds Maintenance Assistant position, offering an exciting opportunity to earn, learn and develop your career in a supportive and professional environment, over a two-year period. Progress will be regularly reviewed against agreed outputs in your development plan; however, it may be extended if the University considers it necessary. If you are unable to meet the full requirements and performance levels at the end of the development period, you may be retained at the lower grade.

The Estates and Facilities Directorate plays a vital role in supporting the University's strategic objectives by managing, maintaining and developing its diverse estate and associated services. The Directorate is responsible for the stewardship of the University's buildings, infrastructure, grounds and property assets, ensuring they are safe, sustainable, compliant and fit for purpose.

Service Delivery:
- Provide an excellent service to students, colleagues and anyone else encountered as part of the role by carrying out tasks using the relevant procedures.
- Follow health and safety regulations, including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided.
- Learn how to use everyday equipment and tools such as gardening equipment from more experienced colleagues.
- Follow instructions from more experienced colleagues to deliver set tasks.
- Learn how to deliver services in line with regulations.
- Keep physical internal and external environments in a safe and secure working order.
- Learn and follow general health, safety and security procedures relevant to the role.
- Complete work in accordance with risk assessments specific to tasks and environments.

Teamwork:
- Help and cooperate with the rest of the team.
- Support other team members to carry out their tasks when asked.
- Help colleagues maintain facilities and equipment safely and securely.
- Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.
- Be trained in other relevant areas within Estates and Facilities so assistance can be given to meet business needs.

Communication/Personal:
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.
- Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with colleagues and others encountered as part of the role.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties.

Essential requirements:
1. Good spoken and written communication skills.
2. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
3. Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
4. Experience of working in a team.
5. Ability to manage time to meet deadlines.
6. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.

Desirable:
1. Evidence of personal development to improve/maintain skills.

Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year — a total of 39 days.
- University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- Parking across campus, cycle to work scheme, and discounts with local bus and train companies.
- Exclusive discounts via benefits portal including supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products, eating out and days out.
- On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and holiday camps for children aged 5–16.
- Wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Volunteering opportunities to make a difference to the local community.
- Family-friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave among the most generous in the higher education sector.
- Opportunities for career development including qualifications, IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
- Generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts.

Working arrangements: Full-time (35 hours per week), five days from seven (primarily Monday to Friday), including day release at College to study for NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture. May be required to work evenings and weekends as business demands. Onsite working only. The role will require physical activities and manual handling, including lifting and transporting materials and stock.