Grounds Maintenance, Landscape Creation, Arboriculture, Sports Surfacing, Parks management, IOS Managing Safely Training, Ecology & Biodiversity, Grass cutting, Horticulture, Street Cleaning, Soft Landscaping, Hard Landscaping
idverde provides a wide range of green services, including grounds maintenance, landscape creation, and advice services, to both private and public sectors across the UK.
At idverde, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone, and Tyler’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved when the right support, determination, and teamwork come together.
Tyler, a student at Wiltshire College, joined idverde in January 2025 through the Wiltshire Supported Internship Programme, a collaborative initiative between Wiltshire College and the Wiltshire Employment Support Team (WEST), part of Wiltshire Council. With aspirations to achieve his Level 2 English and Level 1 Maths, Tyler was seeking an unpaid work placement that would allow him to build confidence, gain experience, and explore a potential career in outdoor grounds maintenance.
“Over the past year, Wiltshire Employment Support Team has had a brilliant opportunity to work alongside idverde, who kindly stepped into the role of host employer for the 2024/2025 Wiltshire Supported Internship Programme.” Rob Wilson, Wiltshire Employment Support Team
With the guidance of Rob, a dedicated job coach from WEST, Tyler applied for a 12-week internship placement as a Grounds Maintenance Operative in the Devizes area. Rob’s support during the application and interview process was instrumental, helping Tyler feel confident and prepared. From the outset, Tyler impressed the team with his enthusiasm and work ethic, quickly integrating with the crew and proving himself to be a conscientious and hardworking individual.
Initially set for 12 weeks at 16 hours per week, Tyler’s placement was extended to a total of 24 weeks, allowing him to gain further experience, particularly in grass cutting, and continue developing his skills.
Rob Wilson said “As part of this partnership, Tyler took on a 24-week placement as a Grounds Maintenance Operative (GMO). Throughout his time with idverde, Tyler picked up new skills, built on existing ones, and became a valued part of the team.”
During his placement, Tyler took part in a wide range of tasks including:
Of all these, litter picking stood out as Tyler’s favourite. He enjoyed being outdoors, found the task fulfilling, and took pride in helping keep local areas clean. His confidence grew significantly over the course of the internship, and he became a more assured and effective communicator.
Tyler also overcame initial anxieties around using power tools. With patient guidance from his team leaders, he learned to operate equipment safely and confidently, especially hedge trimmers, which he’s excited to use more in his new role.
Ian Spanswick, Assistant Contract Manager at Devizes Depot, commented:
“Tyler was reliable, honest, and trustworthy. His timekeeping was excellent, always early, and he gave 100% to every task. He enjoyed all aspects of the work and fully engaged with the team.”
Tyler credits much of his success to the understanding and support of his team leaders. Their patience and willingness to explain tasks helped him feel comfortable asking for help when needed. Rob from WEST remained a consistent source of support throughout, ensuring Tyler had the tools and encouragement to thrive.
Rob Wilson commented “He (Tyler) got a real taste of what it’s like to be in a busy, day-to-day work environment, and he rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.”
Following the successful completion of his internship, Tyler was offered a permanent position with idverde, a testament to his dedication and the positive impact he made. He’s thrilled to be joining the team officially and looks forward to continuing his work, especially hedge cutting in the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
Tylers Employment Co-ordinator /Job Coach Rob said “At the end of his 24 weeks, Tyler’s hard work paid off and he was offered a part-time paid position with idverde, which he embraced wholeheartedly. This transition from supported internship to paid employment is a huge milestone, not only for Tyler but also for the programme.”
Tyler’s journey has taught him the value of asking for help and staying focused. His advice to others considering a career in grounds maintenance is simple but powerful:
“If you don’t know what to do, ask. Trying to guess can lead to mistakes and more work for others. Asking is the biggest thing you can do.”
Tyler’s story is not just a personal success, it’s a celebration of inclusive employment. Through the SEND Employer Champions recognition scheme, idverde has proudly demonstrated its commitment to supporting individuals with SEND, and Tyler’s journey highlights the incredible potential that can be unlocked with the right support.
“It highlights just how powerful supported internships can be in helping young people grow and thrive in the workplace and provides them with an incredibly valuable experience as they progress towards the end of their education”.
“A huge thank you to idverde, and especially to Paul Ashman, for their continued support, encouragement, and commitment to inclusive employment. We’re thrilled that idverde has agreed to be a host employer once again for the 2025/26 Wiltshire Supported Internship cohort and we’re excited to continue working together to create meaningful opportunities for young people with additional needs.” Rob Wilson said.
Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, added, “We know how important it is for young people with SEND to be independent, to have work opportunities and to have choices. Our Supported Internships scheme is about working with employers to unleash potential and offer young people opportunities to gain practical experience and work skills to give them a realistic chance of getting paid employment.
“Tyler’s journey with idverde and the Wiltshire Employment Support Team is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the right support is in place. It’s wonderful to see how well Tyler is doing in his new role, and we’re grateful to idverde for their continued commitment to inclusive employment and for being such a valued partner.”
We’re proud to have Tyler on our team and excited to see what he’ll achieve next.
Paul Ashman, idverde Community Engagement Manager for Wiltshire Council said “From the start, we saw Tyler’s potential and were pleased to offer him a placement and now a permanent position. Tyler integrated well with our team and proved to be a hardworking and conscientious member of staff. We’re proud to have him on board and excited to support him as he continues to develop his skills and confidence in the role. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with WEST and supporting future interns.”
