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14 February 2021

National Apprenticeship Week | Part 3

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.

Luke Bishop, based in East Peckham, Kent

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

To better my knowledge of horticulture and to help me move up in my career.

Tell us about a recent day at work

I drove to the yard from Hastings, and loaded up tools for the day. We have staggered start times at the moment due to Covid. The main tasks currently are leaf clearing, moss sweeping, and preparing all grounds for spraying, plus some litter picking and hedge cutting as well. After working on site we head back to the yard to unload tools, drive down to the Country Park to tip, and then drive home.

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

How the plant names break down into family, genus, species, and sub-species.

Luke-Bishop_web

What are the best things about being an Apprentice?

The best thing about being an apprentice is increasing your knowledge surrounded by so many friendly and like-minded individuals, be they fellow apprentices, buddies or tutors. A really good support network. The worst thing is we can only meet online for now!

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

A piece of advice I heard ages ago that stuck with me is that your employer pays you twice: once with the wage (short-term payment) and once with experience (long-term payment). The apprenticeship is an amazing experience so far and will hopefully boost my career in idverde.

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

Do it, and don’t worry if you think you don’t know enough to start out with, there are no stupid questions!

Where would you like to be in five years?

I’d very much like to work in a park closer to home – the Manor Gardens or Alexandra Park would be amazing – and hopefully this NVQ will give me the skills and knowledge to be approved.

What does Luke’s tutor say?

Luke has started his apprenticeship in the manner I would like from all, he has paid full attention during the group lessons he has taken part in, with personal experience and by answering questions raised.

Luke has also asked regular questions and advice whilst studying at home on assignments and on site from experienced members of the team and management when in the depot.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Luke

Scott_web

Scott Barrowcliff, based in Charnwood

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

When I joined idverde I was a seasonal ground maintenance operative. Before joining idverde I was a fully qualified tree surgeon and climber for 8 years, working all over the country and staying away.

I joined idverde as I wanted a change in job role as the owner of the company who I working for was retiring. I emailed the local idverde contract manager and applied for a seasonal mowing job.

At the end of the season the apprenticeship position came up on the staff notice board, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn about horticulture and gain a qualification and relevant skills. I already have arboriculture and countryside management qualifications and I am glad to say that I was successful at the interview stage.

Tell us about a recent day at work

In the summer I run my own mowing round with a seasonal worker which is on a two-week cycle. I use a Toro lt f3000 ride-on flail mower that fits on a flatbed trailer and high side panel van.

Starting work at 7am I pick up the keys for the van and make sure I have tubs full of water/chemicals to be able to spray out any obstacles on the round, and that the mower is full of fuel. Then I go to site and start mowing with my back-up colleague, and help him finish off the back-up (strim, mow, blow), and spray the site if needed.

In winter I work with two full-time colleagues and work from 7:30am to 3:15pm. We have two vans for the winter: one panel van with the tools/equipment and the other van with a tipper towing a chipper. we go to site, carry out a risk assessment and sort out what we need to do on the job. Shrub beds and hedges are trimmed and arisings put through the chipper. Areas are then cleared up and blown, then we move on to the next site.

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

I have learnt a lot from the tutor about horticulture and the different practical aspects of the job, for example plant ID, propagation and soil science. I have enjoyed visiting the Saltex show and looking at the different pieces of equipment and new ideas and how different ideas can help with the job that we carry out.

What are the best things about being an Apprentice?

There are a lot of assignments that you have to do, but the good things are getting to go to places like Kew Gardens and Saltex show.

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

I would recommend you do the apprenticeship as you can learn so much that you didn’t know before. You get a qualification at the end of it, and within work’s time. My tutor is very knowledgeable in all aspects of horticulture and nothing is too much trouble for him.

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

It’s only two years of your life, and if you get the chance I would recommend you do it as you can learn so much more about horticulture and the jobs within idverde. You also get to learn the right way to do the work.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I will have been with the company for four years later this year. I would like to stay with idverde and progress within the teams and become Team Leader when opportunities arise. Or perhaps become expert on different pieces of machinery that other depots haven’t got and travel to different idverde contracts across the UK so that it makes the jobs safer for all of the colleagues.

What does Scott’s tutor say?

Scott has developed his skills and knowledge considerably during the Apprenticeship. He has taken all opportunities to further himself, taking advantage of courses such as obtaining a trailer licence and PA1/PA6 spraying. This all makes him a very valuable member of the team at Charnwood.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Scott.

Jarred Warren, based in Camden

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

I decided to do it for a few reasons: I want to expand my knowledge of horticulture; I want to challenge myself; I want to grow within the company. I have a degree in environmental management, and combining this apprenticeship course with it can hopefully enable me to grow, not only as an individual, but as a company employee.

Tell us about a recent day at work

I was carrying our estate maintenance at 75 Fitzjohns Avenue Estate in Camden. I spent the day leafing the estate, pruning roses, reducing ivy, and cutting back a large laurel at the entrance of the estate.

I enjoy a typical day like this on an estate, as I engage with residents as well as undertaking various tasks in the day, making it more interesting than, for example, doing the same thing for the whole day.

Jarred-Warren_web

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

Unit 8 covers plant nomenclature. I found it interesting to learn how plants are identified according to their family, genus, and species, and how this differentiates from its common name.

What are the best things about being an Apprentice?

The best is knowing that the company has identified the value within me in offering me the opportunity to do the Apprenticeship.
The worst is time management between my horticultural role and responsibilities for the area I cover in the borough, and doing the Apprenticeship (a good challenge to have).

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

I would recommend doing it as it will allow you to grow as an individual and challenge yourself. It will also assist with growing the company.

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

Don’t think that you will be on your own without any support. idverde offers a big support network, therefore allowing you to complete the Apprenticeship and your job at the same time.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I would like to be still working with idverde. I would like to have grown into a role leading a team, and I hope to be involved in a role that incorporates environmental management.

What does Jarred’s tutor say?

Jarred has played a very active role in lessons, even at this early stage. He has offered answers to questions when asked, and advice to others if they need it. He has produced all the work set and within the time frame, with criteria points being completed with extremely high quality of work.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Jarred.

Will-Osborne_web

Will Osborne, based in Peckham Rye Park, Southwark

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

Because I’d like to gain more knowledge in how to work with plants, and potentially have a career in some form of horticulture.

Tell us about a recent day at work

I start by helping with picking up litter and changing the bins around the park in the morning. After that, I usually help the grounds maintenance guys with whatever jobs need doing around the park to keep it looking nice, like picking up leaves for example. After lunch, I will work with my Head Gardener. Recently we’ve been pruning some perennials and roses in the ornamental gardens.

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

If you were to grow an apple tree from the seeds you find in most store-bought apples, they would produce a different kind of apple from the one you bought.

What are the best things about being an Apprentice?

Definitely being able to work a paid role alongside the studies, with knowledgeable people, too. Especially in this field, I’d say the most important thing is practical learning.

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

Being able to work outdoors all day is great!

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

Just go for it. I think they’re a great option if you want to learn something new and have a job as well. Especially if it’s something you’re interested in.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I’d hope to be a lot more knowledgeable to start with. I’d also like to be able to take the skills I learn on this apprenticeship to different parts of the world, as it’s a widely recognised qualification.

What does Will’s tutor say?

Even at such an earlier stage in his career, Will has already shown his keen interest to learn all aspects of horticulture. Will has become a valued member of the parks team he works in and the group he studies with on his course.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Will

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