Apprenticeships & Opportunities
Practical training, paid work and long-term career pathways in landscaping
At YGS Landscapes, apprenticeships provide a practical route into landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticultural work, combining paid employment with structured training and real site experience.
Working across Devon and Cornwall, apprentices gain direct exposure to commercial landscaping projects while building recognised qualifications and practical confidence.
Our apprenticeship routes are designed to support long-term development, not simply short-term placement.
Apprenticeships with City College Plymouth
YGS Landscapes works closely with City College Plymouth to deliver apprenticeship training that reflects the practical demands of the landscaping sector.
Apprentices combine college learning with paid site work, attending college one day each week while spending the remainder of the week working on live projects across Plymouth and surrounding areas.
What apprentices gain through the programme
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Turfing and planting
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Fencing and decking installation
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Grounds maintenance
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Hard landscaping
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Machinery use on live sites
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Exposure to housing developments, commercial environments and public spaces
This combination helps apprentices understand both practical site delivery and the standards expected within a professional commercial landscaping business.
Current apprenticeship opportunity – Plymouth
We are currently recruiting apprentices to join YGS Landscapes from October 2026.
Apprenticeship summary
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4 positions available
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Start date: 1 October 2026
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Duration: 2 years
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Based in Plympton
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Paid position (£18,304 to £29,080 depending on age)
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44 hours per week
Apprentices will work across:
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Soft landscaping
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Grounds maintenance
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Hard landscaping
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Fencing installation
Qualifications gained include:
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Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative
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Emergency First Aid at Work
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Machinery and pesticide-use qualifications
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Additional industry-recognised certificates where relevant
Working on live commercial projects
Apprentices work across active sites including:
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Housing developments
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Commercial estates
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Retail environments
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Business parks
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Refurbishment projects
This means practical learning takes place within genuine working environments from the start.
After apprenticeship
Long-term opportunities after completion
Successful apprentices may have opportunities to continue within the business following completion of the programme.
Several members of the wider YGS team began in early practical roles and progressed into positions with greater responsibility over time.
Interested in applying?
Applications for the current apprenticeship programme are open until 21 August 2026.
For full details and applications: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC2000010865
Interested in working with YGS?
We welcome enquiries from people interested in practical long-term careers within landscaping, grounds maintenance and associated services across Devon and Cornwall.
Commercial landscaping & grounds maintenance across Devon & Cornwall
Telephone: 01752 337710
YGS Landscapes provides commercial landscaping, grounds maintenance, arboriculture and fencing services across Devon and Cornwall.| Established 1973
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YGS Landscapes Ltd, Elfordleigh Nursery, Larch Grove, Plymouth PL7 5EB
Email: info@ygslandscapes.co.uk
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