The Horticulture Apprenticeship team were delighted to welcome employees from the Bourne Leisure Group back to the Cannington campus for their second week of block week learning during half term. The Level 2 horticulture operative standard apprentices came from around the country to undertake taught theory sessions and practicals in various aspects of horticulture. The gardeners work at leisure parks, hotels and resorts from well know names such as Haven, Warner and Butlins.

The team also welcomed apprentices from the south west to the campus, allowing for many opportunities to share with their peers about aspects of their role and the apprenticeship. Diverse topics were covered including plant health, pruning, propagation, environment protection, plant growth and pond maintenance. The apprentices enjoyed being taught by a variety of horticulture trainers, each with their own specialism and each able to speak from direct industry experience about the roles that the students have. The skills and knowledge required by a gardener are diverse and the team rose to the challenge of absorbing the information and having a go at putting things into practice in the facilities at the Cannington campus.

Jayne Alcock (Team Leader) said “It was a pleasure to see the group again and to see how much their knowledge and confidence had grown since the last block week in October. We have such diverse facilities and grounds at the Cannington campus, including the impressive glass house facilities and planting in the Walled Gardens of Cannington, this really helps the students to see how to apply what they are being taught on the ground. A favourite session was propagation, where we practised seed sowing techniques. I look forward to seeing an even more floriferous display at the various holiday destinations these gardeners are working in and developing.”

Horticulture is an industry and career that is diverse and can potentially take you around the world. It is currently experiencing a skills shortage, with many employers looking for trained, skilled employees with in depth plant knowledge. The team welcome apprentices and businesses throughout the year onto the program, so you can get in touch at any time to discuss exciting opportunities and career paths.