Notcutts Garden Centres supports its colleagues to develop their horticultural and retail skills through apprenticeship training opportunities. Since 2019, 25 Notcutts colleagues have achieved apprenticeship qualifications up to Level 4 (equivalent to a foundation degree) with seven specialising in horticulture.

Apprenticeship training is offered for all colleagues across Notcutts’ 19 garden centres nationwide, who are keen to further their career or upskill in their current role. Apprentices can study towards qualifications such as Level 2 Horticultural Operative, Level 3 Horticultural Supervisor and Level 4 Retail Manager, completing written assessments at a local college while achieving practical experience in their role at Notcutts.

Ben Lodge (pictured), Horticultural Manager at Notcutts Dukeries Garden Centre in Worksop, began his career part-time at a local garden centre before embarking on a Level 2 Horticultural apprenticeship at Notcutts in 2017. With a passion for learning and development, Ben completed a further apprenticeship for Level 4 Retail Manager in 2021 and he is now enjoying a management role at the garden centre.

Ben said: “The majority of my knowledge has come from working with people who are truly passionate about horticulture, I’ve learnt more than I ever could from a classroom. I enjoy the varied tasks of a Horticultural Manager, there are never two days the same.

“Horticulture is not the easiest job, it’s very physical and you’re out in the elements. You need a passion for plants and the outdoors to really enjoy the job and to get the most out of it.”

Sarah Dempsey, HR Director at Notcutts, said: “We’re proud of our commitment to developing colleagues across our garden centres. Apprenticeships and other industry training ensures that we can continue to offer horticultural expertise and excellent service to our customers, while supporting individuals to progress in their careers.”

For more information about careers opportunities at Notcutts, visit notcutts.co.uk.