The Garden Centre Group aim to recruit 120 apprentices
The Garden Centre Group is running the biggest horticultural apprenticeship programme in the UK, aiming to recruit 120 young trainees to become the garden centre managers of the future.
The apprentices will study for two days a month at Pershore College in Worcestershire for a level two diploma in horticulture. They will spend the rest of their time learning about garden retailing on the ground in the group’s garden centres.
Regional Apprentice Manager for Training, Ryan Simpson said: “Our horticultural apprenticeship programme is designed to identify and develop the nation’s future gardening professionals.
"It is essential that businesses provide young people with opportunities that will give them the skill and understanding for an exciting career and we look forward to welcoming our new apprentices.”
The benefits of the programme include a strong foundation in horticultural knowledge and a chance to be part of a UK-wide company, with good opportunities for career progression and chance to work as buyers and merchandisers.
Two of the apprentices will be selected to experience a week at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. The two apprentices will spend one day working in five different departments within the gardens.
Associate Director of Horticulture (learning) Leigh Morris said: “The top two Garden Centre Group apprentices will be coming to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh for a week’s experience.
"The vision is that they get to experience horticulture in one of the world’s leading botanical gardens. I am keen to forge closer links between commercial and botanic garden horticulture. The two apprentices will spend one day working in five different departments within the gardens and the aim is that this relationship grows.”
The apprenticeship programme features The Garden Centre Group’s award winning e-learning scheme along with Masterclass college days specially designed for the programme.Apprentices receive a wage which has been quoted as attractive compared to paying £9,000 tuition fees at university.
The Garden Centre Group is also developing an apprenticeship scheme that focuses on professional cookery, whereby apprentices will receive training from Westminster Kingsway College, a centre of excellence in hospitality and culinary arts.
