Derby College Apprenticeships

🤝 We pride ourselves on being more than just a name in an inbox.

By spending time in the workplace, we build real relationships and understand each employer’s needs first-hand. Our approach is all about being present, approachable, and invested, working alongside employers every step of the way to ensure both they and their apprentices succeed.

Well done Catherine👏

Well done Fianna & Morgan 👏

Horticulture is an industry where practical skills, passion and experience really matter, and apprenticeships are helping businesses and individuals develop all three.

At Derby College Group’s Broomfield Hall, our Horticulture Apprenticeships provide a valuable opportunity for employers to develop skilled talent while giving apprentices the experience, qualifications, and support needed to build a successful career.

For employers, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to recruit fresh talent, upskill existing employees, and invest in the future of your workforce.

For apprentices, they provide the chance to gain hands-on experience alongside industry professionals and achieve recognised qualifications in a sector that is playing a key role in creating greener, more sustainable environments.

Whether your interests are in landscaping, grounds maintenance, parks and gardens, sports turf, or plant production, horticulture offers a diverse range of rewarding career opportunities.

We welcome enquiries from employers looking to recruit an apprentice and individuals ready to take their first step into the industry.

To find out more, get in touch:
Email: [email protected] or Call: 01332 387421

Calling Local Land-Based Employers

Looking to develop skills within your workforce or explore how apprenticeships could support your business?

We offer a wide range of land-based apprenticeships designed to build practical, job-ready skills across the sector, including:

▪️Level 2 & 3 Horticulture
▪️Level 2 Golf Greenkeeping
▪️Level 2 Arborist
▪️Level 2 & 3 Animal Care
▪️Level 2 & 3 Agriculture
▪️Level 2 Dog Grooming
▪️Level 2 Floristry

Whether you manage a Farm, Estate, Dog Groomers, Kennels, Veterinary practice, Greenspace, or Florist our apprenticeships can help you develop motivated staff with industry-relevant skills.

Drop-in Employer Session

📍 Broomfield Hall, Morley, DE7 6DN
📅 12th June 2026
🕣 8:30am – 12:30pm

No presentation, no pressure, and no need to book, just drop in for a coffee and a chat.

Come and find out how land-based apprenticeships could benefit your business, whether you are hiring an apprentice for the first time or simply exploring your options.

📣 Engineering & Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship Vacancy 📣

Are you interested in a career in engineering and manufacturing but unsure where to start?

We’re pleased to be supporting Acres Engineering in recruiting for their 8-month Foundation Apprenticeship programme: a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are motivated to learn and ready to develop the foundations for a rewarding career.

🔧Hands-on introduction to engineering and manufacturing
🔧Development of practical skills and workplace confidence
🔧A pathway to further learning and progression opportunities

If you’d like to find out more or apply, please get in touch via [email protected]

We’ve officially launched on TikTok!

From day-in-the-life videos and revision tips to campus highlights, behind-the-scenes moments and student advice, our TikTok is all about showing what college life is really like through the eyes of our students.

Give us a follow! www.tiktok.com/

Here at Derby College Apprenticeships we are proud of the work we do to support candidates through the application process.

For us, one of the most rewarding parts of recruitment is hearing directly from candidates about their experience, especially when they feel supported and informed throughout the process. Every positive interaction strengthens our employer brand and leaves candidates feeling confident and respected.

For more information on Apprenticeships at DCG, contact us via [email protected].

Launch Your Career in Animal Care, Apprentice Keeper Opportunities Now Open

We are excited to be recruiting 10 Apprentice Keepers to join Chester Zoo’s animal care teams. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working across mammals, birds, and ectotherms while contributing to the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry.

As an Apprentice Keeper, you will play a vital role in the zoo operations, including:

▪️Supporting excellent animal husbandry, health, and welfare

▪️Following risk assessments and safe working procedures

▪️Engaging with visitors and promoting their mission

▪️Learning essential record keeping, reporting, enrichment, and diet management

Programme details:

📅 Start Date: 10 August 2026

⏳ Duration: 2 years

🎓 Qualification: Level 3 Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship

🕒 Hours: 40 hours/week (including weekends and bank holidays)

This is more than just a job; it is a chance to build a meaningful career working closely with animals while learning from experienced professionals.

👉 Apply now and take the first step toward becoming a skilled animal keeper: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC2000027962

Staff Development Day at Chester Zoo

Last week, our Animal Care team visited Chester Zoo to support apprentices undertaking mock End Point Assessments. The apprentices demonstrated strong knowledge, skills, and professionalism, and provided useful insights into their roles.

The visit also included a guided tour, where our team explored enclosure design and animal welfare as part of their ongoing professional development.

Thank you to Chester Zoo and the apprentices for hosting a valuable and informative day.

If you are interested in becoming part of the next cohort of Derby College and Chester Zoo apprentices, join the Keeper & Aquarist Apprenticeship Webinar to find out more:

📅 Wednesday, 29th April 2026⏰ 5:00 PM

You will learn about:
• The Level 3 Keeper & Aquarist Apprenticeship
• Role expectations and duration
• Eligibility criteria
• Live Q&A
👉 Register your interest: https://lnkd.in/e55CHqa9