As the weather improves many of us look forward to getting outside more and the same is happening with our many land-based apprentices.

Apprenticeships in the land-based industries are particularly important as employers struggle to find staff with the right skills. It also allows companies to develop skills they need to support their organisation and industry as this growing sector needs more trained operatives. Over 260,000 people work in land-based industries with almost two fifths being self-employed, ideal for the budding entrepreneur.

We are very proud of all our land-based apprentices, many of whom have worked hard throughout the winter and are now reaping the benefits of being outside while so many of us still are in an office or classroom!

Gareth Hunt from Castle Cary, has just completed his Green Keeping Level 2 Apprenticeship at Sherborne Golf Club and has secured a full-time contract with them. The Golf Club are now recruiting for a new apprentice which would suit anyone over sixteen who communicates well and enjoys working outside with both hand tools and large machinery and has the desire to want to earn while they learn.

Amber Williams from Winscombe, has nearly completed her Horticulture Apprenticeship with Banwell Gardens where she has enjoyed learning all aspects of working in a nursery and has a real love of plants.

Luke Milliner from Bridgwater, one of our completing full-time Level 3 Horticulture students, had an amazing week last week where he applied for two horticultural apprentice positions and was offered both! We wish him luck with his Level 3 Apprenticeship at Old Oaks Caravan Park in Glastonbury.

Anna Lim, a Level 2 Horticultural Apprentice with Bristol University has produced some outstanding work in her plant portfolio that we feel deserves sharing with the world.

Simon Cook, a Groundsman at Wellington School, is currently studying for his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Sports Turf. Wellington School has been so impressed with his progress, they have agreed to support Simon continue on to the Level 3 (advanced) qualification.

Our Agriculture apprentices are also busy with spring tasks and Joe Powell from Bristol Training at Yew Tree Farm has made significant progress and is being fast tracked to complete his Level 2 Apprenticeship and move on to the Level 3. Mr Simmons, Joe’s employer and owner of Yew Tree Farm said,

“Joe is making a great contribution to the business and it is a pleasure to have him working with us.”

Well done Joe! We look forward to expanding our reach to Agricultural Apprentices with plans to open a satellite centre in Shepton Mallet in September.

Helen Goodland, our Training Advisor for Horticulture, Landscapers, Groundsmen, Greenkeepers, Environmental Conservation and Arboriculture is having a busy time visiting local employers and posting lots of new vacancies on the Bridgwater College website.

If you would like to know more about being an apprentice in the land-based sector or hiring an apprentice to support your company, please call our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234 or email Helen Goodland at goodlandh@bridgwater.ac.uk.