With GCSE and A Level results released this month, Notcutts is highlighting apprenticeships as a vocational path into horticulture, hospitality and retail careers.

Notcutts offers its own apprenticeship scheme across its 19 garden centres nationally. Colleagues of all ages and at all levels are encouraged to develop their careers through apprenticeship qualifications, with many upskilling into senior leadership roles.

Harry Adams is the Horticultural Section Head at Notcutts Solihull Garden Centre, where he has achieved a Level 3 qualification in Horticulture. Other colleagues in the plant area are also studying towards qualifications through the Royal Horticultural Society to enhance their plant knowledge.

Harry said: “Working in horticulture is an opportunity to continuously learn. The qualifications offered by Notcutts are a great way to ensure I am able to grow my knowledge and put it into practice at the garden centre.”

While horticulture is at the heart of Notcutts, the garden centre group also highlights the career opportunities for hospitality and retail, through its restaurants and wide range of retail including gifts, clothing, homeware and pet supplies. 

Charlotte Baines, Assistant Restaurant Manager at Notcutts Wheatcroft Garden Centre near Nottingham, has successfully completed a Level 4 Hospitality Manager qualification.

Reflecting on her experience, Charlotte said: "I really enjoyed my qualification, it gave me a greater understanding of the business and the wider hospitality industry and trends."

Similarly, Jenny Williams at Notcutts St Albans Garden Centre has completed her Level 4 Retail Manager qualification. Jenny appreciated the comprehensive curriculum, noting, "I enjoyed learning about a range of subjects including leadership and team performance."

Sarah Dempsey, HR Director, Notcutts, said: “At Notcutts, we encourage everyone to take advantage of our apprenticeship opportunities to develop their careers and achieve their potential. It was in 1898 where Notcutts’ founder Roger Crompton Notcutt took on his first apprentice, and we are proud to continue nurturing apprentices in our garden centres today.

“We are committed to investing in our all our teams and we offer the flexibility for individuals to study towards their qualifications alongside their day-to-day role, achieving practical experience where they can apply their learning.

“Whether it's gaining a deeper understanding of the hospitality sector, mastering retail management, advancing horticultural expertise, or developing senior leadership skills, there are a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available and we support all colleagues to get involved.”

Notcutts is a family-owned garden centre group with 19 garden centres across the country. For more information about careers and training at Notcutts, visit www.notcutts.co.uk.