What skills will I learn?
As a gardener you will learn how to create inspiring and relaxing outdoor spaces. You will develop your knowledge and skills in both horticulture and landscaping for the benefit and enjoyment of our residents and their families.
You will listen to and act on how best to engage residents and their families’ interest in their home garden and the changing seasons.
You will learn about garden design and maintenance from our group-wide Head Gardener and develop confidence in how to use a wide range of gardening power tools and machinery.
As a member of our maintenance team you will learn how to carry out all manner of minor repairs.
You will develop a comprehensive knowledge of health and safety systems and processes within homes which relate not only to the water, heating and lighting systems in homes but also to security and safe use of equipment, such as lifts, alarms and specialist beds and baths.
You will be guided by our expert Regional Maintenance Managers who will help you to develop your own skill-set and knowledge and enable you to work in partnership with the Home Manager and the external contractors with whom we partner for specialist support.
What do I need to work in Gardening or Maintenance?
As a gardener you will have previous gardening experience, or will have completed a horticultural or gardening qualification, such as a Royal Horticultural Society certificate, relevant QCF or BTEC qualification. You’ll have a friendly, kind and welcoming nature with a natural flair for nurturing people’s interest in gardens and gardening.
You will be confident in using a wide-range of gardening equipment and power tools.
You may be able to gain entry into a gardening job through a suitable horticultural Apprenticeship with one of our partner Colleges within the Dorset and South Hampshire areas.
Working in maintenance calls for a good all-round knowledge of building and mechanical services, and ideally experience of a trade such as electrical work, carpentry or plumbing. You will be able to work quickly and methodically and have the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Both roles call for good organising and planning skills as you will often be working unsupervised on your own initiative.
What can I aim for?
As a gardener you can get involved with new designs for our gardens and develop your skills through additional qualifications. We encourage our gardeners to seek recognition for their gardening design through regional and national awards.
As a member of the maintenance team you can seek further technical qualification, such as a relevant BTEC HNC/D to qualify for promotion to a Regional Maintenance Manager position.