Apprentice Horticulture Worker (Cemeteries)
Halton Borough Council
Apprenticeship summary
This role represents an opportunity to develop a range of practical horticultural skills, appropriate to the care and attention that is required to maintain high-profile, well-regarded cemetery grounds and remembrance gardens.
Closing date: June 28, 2026
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Intermediate
The training will cover the skills and horticultural practices that are needed through the different seasons of the year and will include: tree/shrub planting, formative pruning, grass establishment and mowing, strimming, application of fertiliser, and herbicides. All to current best practice and certified standards.
All the experience and training gained in this role will form a strong basis for further career development and progression in landscape garden management and environmental based roles.
More specific responsibilities include:
- Work within the Environment Services Division, Cemeteries Team of Halton Borough Council, undertaking horticultural and other land-based tasks.
- Attend horticultural college at least one day per week in term time.
- Complete a City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills.
- To qualify in a number of set land-based qualifications, such as PA1 & PA6 – Herbicide Application and gain Lantra certification in the competent use of horticultural powered machinery, including Pedestrian Controlled Petrol Driven Mowers, Handheld Brushcutters and Strimmers, and Ride-on Mowers over the two-year period.
- Achieve certification in a number of cemetery-based qualifications, including the Safe Use of Excavators (for the purpose of digging graves), Safety in the Burial Process, and Safe Use of Dumpers.
- Assist members of the public to enjoy and appreciate Halton’s parks, open spaces and cemeteries.
- Become familiar with and abide by the Environment Services Division work procedures document.
You will undertake a two-year training period in Horticulture through a mixture of work-based tasks and occasional attendance at college, which will result in City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticulture Skills and ICCM-accredited certificates in safety, first aid and working practices in cemetery grounds and cremations.
The majority of training will be delivered on-site, with occasional attendance at Oldham College required.
As you approach the end of your apprenticeship, you will receive guidance and support from our dedicated Apprenticeship Officer in applying for opportunities within Halton Borough Council. We are eager to ensure that any apprentice that joins us as an apprentice, is given every chance to secure permanent, long-term employment with us.
Employer
Halton Borough Council
Halton Borough Council is the local authority responsible for the borough of Halton, a unitary authority in Cheshire, England. All our colleagues at Halton have made a positive commitment to delivering great outcomes for our communities. Whoever joins us will share that passion for outstanding service, and strongly align with the values which define our workplace culture; Working Together – building fantastic relationships with colleagues and customers. Continuous Improvement – Keeping great service delivery at the heart of everything we do. Personal Growth – Learning, growing and developing ourselves. Accountability – doing what we say we are going to do. Inspiring Leadership – positive roles models and leading by example.
Training
THE OLDHAM COLLEGE
Apprenticeship standard:Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
