Parks and Open Spaces Apprentice

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

Coombe Country Park is set on the outskirts of Coventry and War Memorial Park in the city centre. They are managed as part of the Park Service for the city council. Coombe and War Memorial Park have won many awards for quality and excellence in management, conservation, visitor experience and education. These include SSSI status for 40 years, Green Flag (Park and Green spaces excellence award), Visit England visitor attraction quality scheme, Natural England’s Country Park Accreditation and Trip Advisor certificate of excellence for consistently high ratings in our customer reviews. Our staff provide high-quality provision in terms of green space care, development and restoration based on an important site for biodiversity amongst the wider ancient woodland landscape setting and the cultural & heritage setting of listed building (Coombe Abbey Hotel). We are visitor focussed, family friendly and encourage visitors to explore the site for heritage and biodiversity.

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

We are looking for a Park and Open Spaces Apprentice to join out team.

You will:

• Assist in the maintenance of Coombe Abbey Park and War Memorial Park
• Learn how to use and maintain horticultural tools and equipment safely
• Supporting planting, pruning, grass cutting, and landscaping work
• Helping to ensure public spaces are safe, clean, and welcoming
• Working with experienced staff to develop knowledge of biodiversity and sustainability

The training:

• A recognised qualification - Horticulture Operative Level 2
• On-the-job training and mentoring from our experienced team
• Practical skills and experience to launch a career in parks management and horticulture

You will undertake the Level 2 Horticulture Operative. Further information for this apprenticeship can be found on: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/horticulture-or-landscape-construction-operative#

This apprenticeship role is a fixed-term contract for 18months in line with the length of the apprenticeship training.

About you:

• A genuine interest in working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Willingness to learn and a positive, can-do attitude
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
• No prior experience necessary – just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in!

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.

A taster session will be held at the War Memorial Park where candidates can learn more about what the role entails and the types of work which will be carried out. Spaces are limited, please email coombe@coventry.gov.uk to book onto one of the 1hr long sessions where further details will be provided.

Taster sessions: 23/06/25

Closing date: 25/06/25
Pre-interview and assessment date (via Microsoft Teams)*: 08/07/25
Interview date(s) (Face-to-face): 15/07/25

* The pre-interview is a short session to give the candidates further details of the apprenticeship role and to help them understand what to expect from and how to prepare for the final interview. You will also complete a short diagnostic assessment to check the level of Maths and English that they are currently working at and identify any support they may require.

Did you know that there is support available to help you with your application?

If you would like support in completing your application or have any questions about our recruitment and selection processes, help is available at The Job Shop.

We would recommend that all applicants take advantage of this service in order to maximise the chances of being shortlisted.

Address: West Orchard Way, Coventry CV1 1FY
Phone: 024 7678 5740
Email: jobshop@coventry.gov.uk
Website: http://www.coventry.gov.uk/jobshop

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards & benefits package which includes:

• Flexible working arrangements
• An outstanding local government pension scheme
• Great opportunities to develop with access to accredited courses.
• Access to an award-winning Occupational Health Service
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme