Apprentice Groundskeeper

Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

Type: Level 2 Sports Turf Operative

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £23,808.75 (£12.20 per hour)

Who we are:

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - our London office, Selhurst Park stadium, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About this role:

Crystal Palace Football Club Academy are looking for an Apprentice Groundskeeper to assist in the Club pitch maintenance programme and to ensure the delivery of an excellent playing surface at Selhurst Park Stadium, the Training Ground in Beckenham and the Academy grounds.

What will the apprenticeship include:

• Carrying out grounds maintenance works to the training pitches, stadium pitch and associated grounds and facilities as instructed, to a satisfactory standard.
• Undertaking maintenance of grass areas hedgerows, trees and shrubs.
• Operating machinery and equipment associated with sports pitch and grounds maintenance as instructed.
• Ensuring the machinery and equipment is used correctly and kept clean, and when not in use put back to appropriate storage locations.
• Preparing to work at the Club facilities and other leisure sites as hours and day shifts require, these can include evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.
• Representing the Club in a professional manner. This is a high-profile role; therefore, you must present with a clean and smart appearance at all times. Club uniform and PPE will be provided by the Club which must be worn on duty.
• Attending workshops when required as part of the course.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager
• Upholding and promoting the Club policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Enthusiastic and passionate about pursuing a career in the sector.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work within a team environment.
• Willingness to adapt in new enviroments
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and matchdays.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

• Training Course: Level 2 Sports Turf Operative
• Duration: 18 months
• Progression: Groundskeeper

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and wel-comed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation pro-grammes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an inter-view to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equi-table opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please con-tact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.