Grounds Maintenance, Landscape Creation, Arboriculture, Sports Surfacing, Parks management, IOS Managing Safely Training, Ecology & Biodiversity, Grass cutting, Horticulture, Street Cleaning, Soft Landscaping, Hard Landscaping
idverde provides a wide range of green services, including grounds maintenance, landscape creation, and advice services, to both private and public sectors across the UK.
At idverde we realise the importance of engaging with the next generation of colleagues across our business, whether that be gardeners, landscapers, or more office-based roles.
We believe Apprenticeships are fundamentally important in giving younger people, or, indeed, those who have been the industry some time, the opportunity to learn on the job in a structured way and to gain a qualification.
For National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve been chatting to some of our Apprentices to find out more about their experiences on their learning journey.
I decided to do the apprenticeship because I wanted to better myself and build a career in a new industry.
The favourite part for me was the Chelsea Flower Show [idverde’s Family Monsters garden in partnership with Family Action won a Gold Medal in 2019] as it was a rare opportunity to see and be a part of a higher level of gardening.
Managing to remember the 100 common, Latin, and family plant names surprised me!
The apprenticeship’s benefitted me by giving me a better insight into the industry, which allows me to be fully comfortable in knowing this is the industry and career I want to pursue.
I would recommend people take up an apprenticeship with idverde as they’re a big aid in the development and growth of students where the support is needed.
Stay focussed and remember that doing work to a high standard does actually pay off.
In five years I would like to have started and finished my Level 3 in horticulture, and possibly other courses which will help further me in career. Hopefully I’ll be a Head Gardener, or a trainee one.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Jade.
Rob joined idverde in 2017 and decided to enrol on our Apprenticeship to better his knowledge.
Level 2 in Horticulture / Landscaping
I wanted to better my knowledge within the industry.
I go into work and set the guys up with their jobs for the day, then check emails and book in any vehicles that need repairs. Then I go out on site visits.
It’s hard to pick one thing – the whole course has been informative.
The worst for me has to be Maths functional skills as I struggle with Maths, but the best part has to be winning two Gold Awards for my garden design at the Royal Bath and West Show.
The knowledge of the trainers is second to none, and you will gain so much knowledge yourself.
Go for it! You will benefit in the long run.
I would like to be Supervisor. I am currently acting Supervisor but would like to be full time Contract Supervisor.
Rob has consistently produced a really good standard in his coursework and it has been a pleasure to work with him. His creativity really shone with his garden design at the Bath and West Show.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Dan.
As a BA Graphic Design graduate I wanted to take the next step into the industry I feel most passionate about. I always found marketing my strongest area, however, I was lacking the analytical experience that was necessary to be successful in the role.
I am greatly supported by the members of my team that help me with day-to-day tasks. I am able to explore a variety of marketing sectors, from customer emails to social media posts.
Digital marketing involves more creative thinking than I thought.
What are the best things about being an Apprentice?
The best thing is that I am able to work and learn at the same time. I can easily see how my learning is adapting the jobs that I perform day to day.
Why would you recommend people take up an Apprenticeship with idverde?
idverde is full of welcoming and supportive members, a lovely and friendly environment, pushing you forward in your skills and supporting your weaknesses and helping you evolve.
Do not be put off by the title. Apprenticeships are the best way to work on new skills and study while in the role.
I would like to continue working for idverde in a full-time position so that I can use the skills and knowledge I have acquired.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Oskar.
To improve my knowledge of horticulture and give myself better career opportunities.
A wet, cold, windy day cutting hedges and dragging all the brash into one area to shred on a different day. Turned into a very good day at work!
I learned more plants and shrub names than I thought I would.
One of the best things is learning new things, and I can’t think of anything bad!
I would recommend it because you gain a vast knowledge about horticulture that can be used to improve your ability.
There’s a lot of hard work involved, but keep your head down and study and you will really enjoy the results.
I would really like to be moving up the ladder in the horticulture industry.
Liam has been a really great learner. He has always shown great interest and I expect him to do really well on his course completion. His assignments are a pleasure to read and mark.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Liam
