The Garden Company partners with Capel Manor College

Accredited Contractor The Garden Company has created a number of apprenticeship training opportunities for new team members and team leaders to join their Hertfordshire-based business.

Managing Director James Scott (MBALI, MSGD) commented

The last 18 months have shown what a buoyant industry we work in. Now, more than ever in my time in the industry, it is clear that we need to attract more people into landscaping and horticulture – and nurture their talent!  I feel that the new Apprenticeship Standards training (introduced nationally last year) offers a great vehicle for this. The Garden Company’s apprenticeship opportunities will provide employment and vocational training to people who share our passion for nature, gardens and bespoke, handcrafted spaces. From my perspective, this is a great way to train people – they will learn essential job-related skills (including leadership skills in some cases) while we continue to provide our customers with what they want and need from us. In return, of course, each of our apprentices will ‘earn while they learn’ and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

As a company, we have benefited from apprenticeship frameworks in the past and we are looking forward to working with the newly-revised Apprenticeship Standards that have shifted their focus from constant assessment to continuous learning, with an end-point assessment at the end of the programme. 

The Garden Company Apprenticeship Programme will be delivered in partnership with Capel Manor College, London’s only specialist environmental college. Apprentices will typically work on client sites four days per week, building and nurturing gardens and grounds while learning from more experienced colleagues. For the remaining day of the week, apprentices will study at college or carry out other off-the-job learning activities. They will also have regular support from a college tutor.

The qualifications to be awarded are on successful completion of the training and assessment are:

• Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship Level 2
• Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor Apprenticeship Level 3

The company welcomes applications from people aged 18 and over.  The Team Leader apprenticeship is ideal for candidates that have been working in the industry for a few years and are looking to progress their careers. The Team Member apprenticeship is ideal for candidates who have recently left school or college, although applications from older candidates are also very welcome.

To find out more about joining The Garden Company team (and how to apply), please have a browse. Closing date for applications is Friday 15 October.