Apprenticeships
We are offering fantastic catering and horticultural opportunities to local apprentices to join a successful customer focused company which is creative, fast paced and friendly.
It is important to us to have employees that are knowledgeable and experienced in the workplace. Whether that’s meeting our high standards of horticultural excellence or cooking mouth-watering dishes in the kitchen.
We sponsor a number of chef and horticulture apprentices to attend college and complete their qualifications including Commis Level 2, 3 and RHS level 2 and 3. There are many exciting opportunities along the way as well including further in-house training and centre workshops.
Apply today, email hrtraining@squiresgardencentres.co.uk. Applications are encouraged at any time.
Horticultural Apprenticeship
- Why is the horticultural apprenticeship scheme important to Squire’s?
It is important for us to have employees that are knowledgeable and experienced in plants. We want to train and nurture our employees to work in our plant areas so they have the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately advise and assist our customers.
- Who are we looking for?
We are looking to recruit apprentices who want a career in horticulture, have a desire to learn new skills and are prepared to put these skills into practice in the workplace. The successful candidate must be passionate and enthusiastic about plants.
- Where will I work?
Across the 16 centres in the plant department to gain horticultural experience. All our Plant Managers have an abundance of knowledge and skills which we want our apprentices to be able to experience and learn from by working alongside.
- What will your apprentices do?
We will sponsor you on RHS level 2 and 3 at Merrist Wood College, by paying your tuition fees and allowing you to attend college one day a week, during your working hours.
During the training, you will be transferred between the centres, working a few months in one before moving on to another.
Some of the exciting things that you will do is attend Plant Area Manager meetings, Hampton Court Flower Show and assist the running of the plant centre workshops.
- Will I get training?
In addition to the above, our Apprenticeship Scheme contains a combination of on and off the job training with access to a wide variety of training materials including online e-learning modules, RHS Wisley training and the support from the Senior Management Team.
Throughout your training, you will be working across different Squire’s centres.
- What is the rate of pay?
We pay all our apprentices the current rate for your age and not the lower apprentice national minimum wage.
- Will I get a permanent job at the end of the scheme?
During the two-year Apprenticeship Scheme, we would look to place you in an available plant role at one of our 16 garden centres.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a successful customer focused company which is creative, fast paced, energetic and friendly giving people pleasure from plants.
RHS Membership – we offer all our apprentices free student membership while studying your RHS qualifications.
Meet the Apprentice
Debbie, Horticultural Apprentice
“The apprentice program allows me a greater understanding of the commercial part of the business. All the apprentices attend the Plant Manager meetings and are encouraged to meet the suppliers at the annual Plant Show. I have been involved with the ordering of stock and seen how much experience is required to know your customers and order just the right stock, weather permitting.”
“Overall, I really enjoy being a Squires Apprentice, the opportunity of academic learning and retail experience is unique and allows for a great insight into the business.”
Chef Apprenticeship
- Why is the chef apprenticeship scheme important to Squire’s?
We really value colleagues who are knowledgeable in what they do, whether that’s cooking an egg to perfection or preparing breakfast for a full restaurant of customers.
We are making a conscious effort to support apprentices get the training and education they need to succeed. We want to support growing careers, train and nurture our colleagues to work in our restaurants.
- Who are we looking for?
We are looking to recruit apprentices who want a career as a chef and are passionate about learning new skills. The successful candidate must be enthusiastic and ready to put their skills into practice.
The only qualification you need as an apprentice is enthusiasm although your college may ask for an English and Maths Level 1 or GCSE grade 3 or above.
- Where will I work?
You will be based at one of our 16 local restaurants within Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, North and West London. There will be opportunities to travel to different restaurants to gain more experience – including our stunning new restaurant at Squire’s Wokingham.
- What will your apprentices do?
We are able to sponsor your Commis Chef Level 2 and 3 at your local college, paying your tuition and allowing a day a week, during working hours, to attend college.
On other working days, apprentices will be helping support the Head and Sous Chefs by preparing meals and learning in a fast paced environment.
- Will I get training?
In the addition to the above, our apprentices will be provided with in-house training in Health & Safety and Food Hygiene as well as hands on experience in the kitchen.
During the training, you may be transferred between the centres to widen your experience.
- What is the rate of pay?
All our apprentices earn the current rate for your age and not the lower apprentice national minimum wage.
- Will I get a permeant job at the end of the scheme?
During your apprenticeship, we encourage you to apply for permanent chef positions at Squire’s. Many of our current Apprentice Chefs are looking to progress to senior roles in the next few years.
Meet the Apprentice
Zac Mercer, Apprentice Chef.
While working at Squire’s Badshot Lea, Zac is attending college to complete his Chef Apprenticeship, “I’ve also learnt a range of knife skills, including which knives suit the task at hand, how to chop quickly and accurately and how to sharpen them properly,” said Zac. “Blunt knives are just as dangerous as sharp ones!”
“There are great benefits to working here, the hours suit me well, I work alternate weekends and there are no evening shifts, plus there are discounts for both the Café Bar and garden centre. The staff and atmosphere are great; everyone is friendly and I feel really supported.”
Zac aims to progress to a senior chef role in the near future.
Apply today, email hrtraining@squiresgardencentres.co.uk. Applications are encouraged at any time.
