by Trio’s careers blossom thanks to council gardening apprenticeships
APPRENTICES working for Gedling Borough Council say they have no regrets about taking their career path.
Josh Argyle, Rhys Lacey and Annaleise Scamans are all working towards a horticulture qualification.
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Career path: Horticultural apprentices, from left, Josh Argyle, 19, Rhys Lacey, 19, Annaleise Scamans, 29 , and former apprentice Thomas Love, 26.
They spend their days tending to gardens around council offices, leisure centres and homes.
“I really enjoy the work that is involved,” said Josh, 19, of Bestwood Park. “I haven’t looked back.
“We do all sorts of different things, like mowing and weeding. It really allows you to learn while you are doing a job.”
The trio hope to get work with the council after gaining their NVQ Level 2 qualifications.
The authority has also pledged to take on four new apprentices as part of the Post’s Get Notts Working campaign.
Rhys, 19, of Arnold, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way of learning a job while you’re earning money.
“We are able to do work outdoors. I’d urge anyone who is young and considering their options to have a go at an apprenticeship.”
Annaleise, 29, of Bestwood, said: “I had been doing other jobs but I wanted a job where I could get outside.
“When I heard about this apprenticeship I jumped at the chance. I have absolutely no regrets about doing it. It’s really good work; hopefully I can stay on after I get the NVQ.”
Thomas Love, 26, was a horticulture apprentice but now has a full-time job with the authority.
He said: “It has been a great experience, especially now I have a job doing the same thing.
“It shows how useful apprenticeships can be. I’d encourage others to give it a go.”
The campaign aims to support local people in their efforts to find a job.
The first phase is to encourage local firms to offer apprenticeships.
We are seeking to create 100 new apprenticeships within 100 days.
Later this year, we will promote work experience, asking firms to take on unemployed people for a short period.
In addition, the campaign will ask company representatives to attend work clubs and enterprise clubs, alongside employment experts, to help unemployed Notts residents prepare for work.
It is a partnership between the Post, Notts and Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce, the National Apprenticeship Service, Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board, local councils, Job Centre Plus, as well as major local companies like, Laing O’Rourke.
Gedling Borough Council leader Councillor John Clarke is backing the campaign and the authority’s pledge.
He said: “Young people in the borough are finding it more difficult to find work than any other age group.
“Apprenticeships teach you the discipline of getting up in the morning, of being turned out properly.”
Paul Champion
Strategic Project Manager
Mobile: 07540 704920
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