Apprentice Horticulture Worker (Cemeteries)

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.