Apprentice - Horticultural

Mae’r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg / This document is also available in Welsh.

Start Your Career with an Award‑Winning Apprenticeship at RCT Council

Ready to take the first step towards a career you can be proud of? An Apprenticeship with award‑winning RCT Council is your gateway to real opportunities, meaningful development, and a future full of possibilities.

Maximise Your Potential

RCT Council is gearing up to welcome a new cohort of apprentices and you could be one of them. Our Apprenticeship Scheme offers an exciting chance to work in a vibrant, supportive environment where no two days are the same. You’ll build valuable, transferable skills, connect with people from all backgrounds, and be part of a team that genuinely makes a difference across Rhondda Cynon Taf.

As an apprentice, you’ll learn from experienced colleagues who are committed to helping you grow. You’ll gain hands‑on, job‑specific skills while working towards nationally recognised qualifications, all while earning a wage and building a career path that suits you.

Who We’re Looking For

We are recruiting two Apprentice Horticultural Operatives to join our Parks and Open Spaces team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience while working towards a recognised horticultural qualification. One apprentice will be based at Pentre Park, CF41 7SY, and the other at Aberdare Park, CF44 8HN.

You will support the day‑to‑day maintenance of parks, sports fields, fine turf and amenity areas, learning industry best practice from experienced staff. No previous experience is required – just a positive attitude, willingness to learn and an interest in working outdoors as part of a team, helping to maintain safe, attractive green spaces for the local community.

What Will You Study?

All Apprentices will be supported to complete a Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture

What will you be paid?

This Is a Fixed Term Post For a Two-year Period, Starting In September 2026. You Will Be Paid National Minimum Wage Dependent On Age

• 21 & over £12.71
• 18 - 20 £10.85
• Under 18 £8.00

Use of AI Tools

If you decide to use AI tools to assist with drafting, reviewing, or refining your application, make sure that

• The content accurately represents your own experiences and qualifications
• You can clearly and confidently explain all aspects of your submission
• Your unique perspective comes through clearly

Please visit our website for further information on the use of AI tools: Apprenticeship Platform

Application Form/Competencies

Each competency response must be limited to a maximum of 200 words. Any response exceeding this limit may result in the application not being reviewed or shortlisted.

Benefits Package

• Earn, while you learn
• Tailored induction programme
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator
• Access to in-house training
• Hybrid working
• Pension Scheme
• 26 days annual leave
• Subsidised membership fees for Leisure Centres within RCT
• Vivup discount card for businesses

Important Eligibility Information

Due to the Apprenticeship entry criteria, we are unable to accept applications from anyone who has already achieved a similar qualification at Level 3 or above in the subject area of the apprenticeship they are applying for.

For Example

If you hold a degree in Civil Engineering, you would not be eligible to apply for a Civil Engineering apprenticeship. However, you would still be welcome to apply for any other apprenticeship pathway.

Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered.

RCT Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all parts of the community.

If you would like further information about these posts, please contact the Employment, Education & Training Team: ***email_hidden***

Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council.

In addition to this safeguarding responsibility, the successful applicant for this role will also be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.

The Council values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non-binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks for employees including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.

An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.

As part of the Council’s longer term objectives in relation to the Welsh language and its Workforce Planning Strategy, it is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh-speakers of Level 3 and above. If you meet the essential criteria as identified in the person specification for the job and are a Welsh-speaker of Level 3 and above, you will be invited to interview if you choose to participate in the scheme.

In view of the large number of Application Forms which are currently being submitted individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. In which case you are thanked for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.

In support of the Council’s voluntary pledge to support the Armed Forces, the recruiter must always be prepared to ensure that applicants who have identified themselves as members of the Armed Forces including Service Leavers, Veterans or Reservists and who meet the essential criteria of the person specification, are offered an interview.

Care Experienced Leavers – Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of the Council’s corporate parenting role it is committed to supporting its care experienced leavers. This means anyone who has spent time within the care system at any point in their life. We encourage applications from individuals who are care experienced to enable them to access employment, education, experiences and volunteering opportunities.

The Council will guarantee an interview for any care experienced leavers who wish to take part in the scheme who meet the essential criteria for the role.