Horticulture Trainer

Horticulture Trainer
Apprenticeships
Salary: £23,478 to £26,380 per annum (£28,964 to £32,532 full time equivalent)
Contract Type: Permanent Part Time 30 hours per week

Reference: REC2173 | Closing Date: Sunday, 20th July 2025

The Opportunity

Based in our friendly Apprenticeships department, you will play a key role in supporting our apprentices to build the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to succeed in the horticulture sector. You will deliver engaging, high-quality, work-based training that reflects the latest apprenticeship standards, including Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Operative and Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor. Your work will include regular workplace visits to observe progress, gather evidence, and provide meaningful feedback.

You will take ownership of a caseload of learners, guiding them through their programme from start to finish. Using the college e-portfolio system, you will track their development, offer tailored support, and ensure they stay on track. You will also help our apprentices build technical skills such as plant identification, pest and disease control, turf management, and machinery use. You will also work in close partnership with employers to make sure the training supports business needs and matches sector expectations, while preparing our learners for a confident and successful End Point Assessment.

As part of the team, you will contribute to quality assurance activities, including standardisation and internal verification, helping to drive improvements across apprenticeship delivery. Your role will involve carrying out initial assessments, creating individual learning plans, and supporting our learners with functional skills in context. You will also ensure your delivery meets apprenticeship compliance standards and reflects current curriculum and funding requirements.

This is a great opportunity to shape the future of land-based industries by developing the next generation of skilled horticulture professionals. You will work closely with our apprentices and employers, building strong relationships and delivering training that meets real workplace needs.

About You

We are seeking someone who is passionate about horticulture and committed to supporting others to develop and succeed. You will bring at least 2 years of work experience in horticulture, sports turf, and/or land-based industries, along with strong practical knowledge in areas such as plant care, pest and disease control, landscape maintenance, or the safe use of horticultural machinery. Your hands-on expertise will be matched by your ability to communicate clearly, coach effectively, and adapt your approach to meet the needs of individual learners.

You should be organised, self-motivated, and confident in managing a caseload of apprentices. The ability to plan and deliver engaging, work-based training sessions, monitor progress, and maintain accurate records is essential. Experience in apprenticeships, work-based learning, or assessment is welcome, but we are equally interested in hearing from those with the right industry background who are looking to move into a training role.

If you do not currently hold a Level 5 teaching qualification, we will support you in gaining this. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your professional approach, and your commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and learning.

You will need to be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, with a flexible attitude and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with learners, employers, and colleagues are key. A genuine interest in helping others grow and a drive to support apprentices in reaching their full potential will help you succeed in this role.

Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.

Required

·         NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in horticulture or land-based industries, or willing to work towards

·         Assessor qualification (D32/33, A1/A2) or willingness to achieve

·         Teaching qualification or willingness to complete Level 5

·         GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or equivalent)

·         Minimum 2 years experience in horticulture, sports turf or land-based industries

Reasons to join us

• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 55 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress 
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
• Our shared purpose – We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff

The Barnsley College Advantage
When you join us, you can expect to benefit from “The Barnsley College Advantage”. This is the advantage of:

·         Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals

·         A range of flexible working opportunities

·         Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability

·         Short- and Long-Term development commitments

·         Access to experiencing work in a range of areas

·         Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation

·         Reward and Recognition

·         Having your voice heard at every level

·         Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications is Sunday, 20th July 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.

Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.