idverde celebrates National Apprenticeship Week: Part Three

National Apprenticeship Week is an annual event that celebrates the benefits and opportunities of apprenticeships for individuals, employers, and the economy. This year we spoke to eleven of our apprentices to find out more about their idverde apprenticeship.

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2024 the 17^th celebration, is “Skills for Life”. You can find more information and resources on the National Apprenticeship Week website.

For National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve been talking to some of our apprentices to find out more about their experiences on their learning journey.

What type of apprenticeship are you doing?

Level 2 Standard Qualification in Horticulture/Landscaping

Why did you decide to do this apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship was offered through my existing job role at idverde and I saw it as an opportunity to improve my knowledge and qualifications.

Tell us about a recent day at work

Today at work I performed a lot of van logistics, driving tools to where they needed to be and moving green waste between where it was generated and where it is to be composted. In between these tasks I cut back a mixed hedge.

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

Today on my apprenticeship I learnt that in 1996 Nelson Mandela planted a tree in St James Park where I work.

What are the best (and the worst!) things about being an apprentice?

The best thing is having a more formal structure to learning about horticulture where previously in my career I’ve learnt through experience and tuition on the job in a more ad hoc way.

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

idverde holds a wide variety of contracts so on top of the experience from the apprenticeship itself, apprentices also learn from their fellows about the broader industry.

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

I would advise to lean into the experience as much as possible to get the most out of it.

Where would you like to be in five years?

In five years’ time I would like to be in a site management role.

Tell us about a recent day at work

A recent day at work on my apprenticeship with idverde was very productive and enjoyable. In the morning, I pruned some roses, to do this properly I used the right tools and techniques. I used a pair of sharp and clean secateurs to cut back the stems to an outward-facing bud, removing any dead, diseased or crossing branches. I also removed any stubby snags and thin, twiggy stems that would not produce good flowers.

In the afternoon, I switched to leaf blowing and collecting, which is an important task to keep the garden tidy and prevent diseases and pests. I enjoyed both tasks, as they gave me the opportunity to improve my skills and knowledge, as well as to appreciate the diversity of the plants and animals in the garden. I felt proud of my work and the positive feedback I received from my colleagues. I look forward to learning more and taking on new challenges in my apprenticeship with idverde.

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

Something that I have recently leant that I thought was interesting, is that seeds can sprout more than one shoot.

What are the best (and the worst!) things about being an apprentice?

The best thing is that you are always learning, but something I have found it to be overwhelming.

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

I would recommend an idverde apprenticeship it is a great way to gain new skills and knowledge.

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

Don’t think, just do , you won’t regret it!

Where would you like to be in five years?

In five years’ time I would like to be training for or already be in a management role.

Tell us about a recent day at work

Currently, I am in the process of compiling a list of playground repairs for the upcoming contractor visit. This involves physically inspecting each item in the QEOP playgrounds and creating a detailed list of identified faults, along with recommendations for replacements or repairs.

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

One of the most interesting facts I’ve learned during my apprenticeship so far is that like humans, all plants have a first and second name for them to be identified. I find it fascinating because it shows how much diversity and complexity there is in the plant kingdom, and how we have tried to make sense of it by creating a universal and standardised system of naming plants.

What are the best (and the worst!) things about being an apprentice?

The best thing is that I get to step back from my day-to-day tasks at work, do something different and learn. The worst is that I have to learn the scientific names of the plants.

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

I would recommend an apprenticeship as it is interesting, it is not too difficult “so far,” and you get to learn new things, very likely adapting what you learn at home.

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

Do it, you won’t regret it!

Where would you like to be in five years?

In five years’ time I would like to be in a manager position.