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14 February 2021

National Apprenticeship Week | Part 2

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.

Jade Lai-Wu based at Southwark Park, London

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

I decided to do the apprenticeship because I wanted to better myself and build a career in a new industry.

What were your favourite parts of your Apprenticeship?

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.

Did you learn anything during your Apprenticeship that surprised you?

Managing to remember the 100 common, Latin, and family plant names surprised me!

Jade Lai-wu

How has doing the Apprenticeship benefitted you, and how has it affected your long-term career path?

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.

Why would you recommend people take up an Apprenticeship with idverde? 

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.

What advice would you give to anyone considering doing an Apprenticeship?

Stay focussed and remember that doing work to a high standard does actually pay off.

Where would you like to be in five years?

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-Ware

Rob Ware based in Chippenham

Rob joined idverde in 2017 and decided to enrol on our Apprenticeship to better his knowledge.

What type of Apprenticeship are you doing?

Level 2 in Horticulture / Landscaping

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

I wanted to better my knowledge within the industry.

Tell us about a recent day at work 

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.

What’s an interesting fact you’ve learned during your Apprenticeship so far?

It’s hard to pick one thing – the whole course has been informative.

What are the best (and the worst!) things about being an Apprentice?

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.

Why would you recommend people take up an Apprenticeship with idverde? 

The knowledge of the trainers is second to none, and you will gain so much knowledge yourself.

What advice would you give to anyone considering doing an Apprenticeship?

Go for it! You will benefit in the long run.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I would like to be Supervisor. I am currently acting Supervisor but would like to be full time Contract Supervisor.

What does Rob’s tutor say?

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.

Oskar Dabski based at idverde’s UK Support Centre, Coventry

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

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.

Tell us about a recent day at work

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.

What’s an interesting fact you’ve learned during your Apprenticeship so far?

Digital marketing involves more creative thinking than I thought.

Oskar-Dabski_web

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.

What advice would you give to anyone considering doing an Apprenticeship?

Do not be put off by the title. Apprenticeships are the best way to work on new skills and study while in the role.

Where would you like to be in five years?

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.

Liam-Waudby_web

Liam Waudby, based in Loughborough

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

To improve my knowledge of horticulture and give myself better career opportunities.

Tell us about a recent day at work

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!

What’s an interesting fact you’ve learned during your Apprenticeship so far?

I learned more plants and shrub names than I thought I would.

What are the best things about being an Apprentice?

One of the best things is learning new things, and I can’t think of anything bad!

Why would you recommend people take up an Apprenticeship with idverde? 

I would recommend it because you gain a vast knowledge about horticulture that can be used to improve your ability.

What advice would you give to anyone considering doing an Apprenticeship?

There’s a lot of hard work involved, but keep your head down and study and you will really enjoy the results.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I would really like to be moving up the ladder in the horticulture industry.

What does Liam’s tutor say?

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

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