CONTACT US
  • Home
  • Blogs
  • National Apprenticeship Week | Part 4
Blogs
14 February 2021

National Apprenticeship Week | Part 4

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.

Peter, based in Lambourne

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

I decided to do the apprenticeship because I wanted to be more clued up on the job, to broaden my knowledge and know the correct way to become a qualified landscaping gardener. I also wanted to be able to give the correct information back to operatives and also company clients on the ground when they ask questions with regards to landscaping.

Tell us about a recent day at work

Myself and my operative were planting bare root whips (slender, unbranched shoot or plant) along a site boundary to create a hedge. We planted six per metre as specified on the site key. We managed to plant 163m, cane and guard the native plants, after we prepared the area with a Rotavator machine.

Peter-Lambourne_web

That day I received 10 pallets of mulching bark delivered to site and also had to check the tree root balls were covered in hessian bag as it was quite cold and we weren’t going to be able to install the tree in the public open space (POS) until the following day.
Towards the end of the day we cleared up our area of work, packed all tools used on to the back of the van, and headed back to the yard to finish off our day.

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

It was interesting to find out that the biggest family in the world that have been recorded are the Asteraceae family (daisy family) and before they were called Asteraceae family they were called Syn-compositae.

What are the best things about being an Apprentice?

The best thing about being an apprentice is that I get to learn all this wonderful information, and it gives me the chance of bettering myself and personal progression to keep me moving forward within my career.

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

For their own personal progression.

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

To listen and take it all on board. To digest and try your best to understand the information provided, and if you unsure about anything to ask the question, so you tutor can give more examples so you understand it.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I would like to be in a position where I get to the point of coming off the tools and moving into the office, and also maybe in a position where I’ve taken the right steps to be able to show and teach people the knowledge I’ve learnt and digested myself by then. By that I hope to help move my colleagues and the company move forward and grow.

What does Peter’s tutor say?

He is very engaged and enthusiastic in the subject, which makes it a pleasure to teach him.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

Saul-Heath_web

Saul Heath based at Bishop’s Park, London

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

I thought it would be a good opportunity for me at the time because I was out of work.

What were your favourite parts of your Apprenticeship?

Going on trips and college days where we did on-site practical work.

Did you learn anything during your Apprenticeship that surprised you?

I have learnt lots of different things related to lots of different subjects. I didn’t have much knowledge on anything before, so everything was new to me.

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

It has benefitted me as it has given me a broad plant knowledge and skills that I have gained from doing extra courses such as PA1 and PA6 for spraying.

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

I would recommend it as it is a good way of gaining knowledge and experience all in one, as well as a place to make new friends and opportunities.

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

It’s hard work but if you stick with it everything will work out, especially with the help of my tutor who has done a lot for me as I found it quite difficult at the start.

Where would you like to be in five years?

In five years I would like to see myself as a team leader or in a supervisor role, as I think we should all aim and achieve and keep growing.

What does Saul’s Manager say?

Saul has only been on the Hammersmith and Fulham contract for a few months and has grown in confidence and has become a valued member of the team. He is highly thought of by his Head Gardener and shows a large amount of promise for the future.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Saul.

Reece Reynolds based in Southwark

Why did you decide to do this Apprenticeship? 

Because the course helped me learn more things about this job that I never would have thought about, and it also gives me a deeper understanding of why we do certain jobs certain ways and at certain times of the year.

What were your favourite parts of your Apprenticeship?

Propagation and planting flowers.

Did you learn anything during your Apprenticeship that surprised you?

I learned a lot about propagation and was surprised when I learned that idverde produce most of their bedding plants through propagation.

Reece-Reynolds

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

It has given me a better understanding of the job and I now know why we do certain jobs the way we do.

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

I’d recommend people taking up an apprenticeship with idverde because they offer you all the support you need to pass, they coach you through the course till you hit your target, and they also pay you to learn.

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

I’d advise them to look at idverde’s apprenticeship as they fully support you through the apprenticeship.

Where would you like to be in five years?

My career goal is to be a contract manager and in five years I’d like to see myself in a supervisor position.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Reece.

Other blogs

birds eye view of green plants and windows
Sky Garden’s Guide to Thriving Winter Houseplants

At idverde, we absolutely adore indoor plants and truly believe they elevate indoor spaces. Not only do they add beauty, but they also have a positive impact on our health and well-being.

Read more
dontmesswithwiltshirelogo
idverde and Wiltshire Council Tackle Roadside Litter in Wiltshire

idverde, in partnership with Wiltshire Council, has been actively engaged in litter collection across all A, B, and C roads in Wiltshire. idverde crews have braved all weather conditions to collect litter discarded along the roadsides. This litter not only poses a hazard to road users but also harms our biodiversity.

Read more
More blogs