Apprentice Greenkeeper - Osborne Golf Club

Job Posted: 21 July 2026

• Contract Term: Apprenticeships
• Location: East Cowes, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: £8.00 per hour to begin with (this will be reviewed regularly)
• Industries: Apprenticeships Horticulture

Here at The Isle of Wight College, we’re proud to work alongside a wide network of dynamic employers across a variety of industries.

Are you looking for an exciting outdoor career where no two days are the same? Would you like to work in one of the Isle of Wight's most historic and picturesque sporting venues while gaining a nationally recognised qualification?

Osborne Golf Club is seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Greenkeeper to join its experienced grounds team. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn the art of greenkeeping while working towards the Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Construction Operative Apprenticeship.

Set within the magnificent grounds of Osborne House in East Cowes, the former royal residence of Queen Victoria, Osborne Golf Club is one of the Isle of Wight's most distinctive golf courses. Golf has been played on the Osborne Estate since 1892, when the course was originally created for the Royal Family and their guests. It was first designed as a two-hole course by the 7th Duke of Richmond before being expanded to a full nine-hole course in 1904.

Today, the club is recognised as the Isle of Wight's oldest golf course, offering an outstanding parkland course surrounded by protected woodland, mature trees and stunning views across the Solent.

Osborne Golf Club is now looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Apprentice Greenkeeper to join our dedicated grounds team. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced professionals while working towards a nationally recognised Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Construction Operative apprenticeship.

As an apprentice, you'll gain practical experience in maintaining one of the Isle of Wight's most established golf courses, developing the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in greenkeeping.

What you'll be doing:

Working under the guidance of the Head Greenkeeper, you will learn how to:

• Maintain the golf course to a high playing standard.
• Operate and maintain a wide range of grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.
• Carry out daily machinery checks, including cleaning, greasing, oiling and refuelling.
• Assist with servicing and maintaining irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Cut and maintain fine turf, rough grass, hedges and landscaped areas.
• Weed, prune and maintain trees, shrubs and ornamental planting.
• Plant and replace trees and other landscape features.
• Maintain the clubhouse surroundings, gardens, pathways, equipment stores and car park.
• Carry out general landscaping and grounds maintenance duties.
• Support the preparation of the course for daily play and competitions.
• Work safely whilst using horticultural machinery, hand tools and powered equipment.
• Learn about sustainable land management, environmental good practice and wildlife conservation.

What we're looking for:

We're seeking someone who:

• Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Has a positive attitude and is willing to learn.
• Can work well as part of a team.
• Is reliable, punctual and hardworking.
• Has good attention to detail and takes pride in their work.
• Has an interest in horticulture, landscaping or sports turf management.
• Is prepared to work early mornings and occasional weekends as part of the team.
• A Driving Licence would be desirable.

·         Basic gardening skills or any prior qualifications in Horticulture would be desirable to support your application

Apprenticeship Standard:

·         Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Apprenticeship

·         24-to-30-month apprenticeship programme

·         Alongside your practical daily work, you’ll take part in off-the-job training hours—dedicated time within your working week to develop your knowledge, skills, and behaviours through any new/online learning and attendance at The Isle of Wight College

·         Weekly attendance at The Isle of Wight College from September

Working hours:

Typical working hours are:

• Monday to Friday: 6.30am – 3.00pm
• Weekend working: Seasonal -on a rota basis (typically 6.00am – 8.00am)

Wage:

·         £8.00 per hour to begin with.

·         The starting wage will be reviewed regularly throughout the apprenticeship, with the opportunity for increases based on performance, commitment and progress.

Additional Information:

Successful completion of the apprenticeship could lead to a permanent Greenkeeper position within the golf club.

So, if this sounds like the next, or indeed first step you want to take with your career, please apply with a cover letter telling us why you feel you would be the ideal person to take on this brilliant opportunity and don’t forget to attach your latest CV!!