Seeking the next green apprentice (From Haringey Independent)

Seeking the next green apprentice

4:51pm Thursday 12th November 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

Councils are looking for young people keen to follow in the footsteps of Alan Titchmarsh by joining the Green Space Apprenticeship scheme.

Green apprentices receive a wage while they train and completing an apprenticeship provides the skills they need for full-time gardening work.

About the green apprenticeships
The Green Space Apprenticeships are part of the drive to reduce the number of young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). There was huge demand for 47 places on similar schemes last year.

Because of this, the number of apprenticeship places available across the UK has been increased to 175 in the current year.

Under the scheme, 175 green-fingered Young Apprentices will get a solid training in garden planning, design, management and maintenance, help maintain much-needed green space in deprived urban areas and gain the skills they need for full-time work.

Pay while you train
Apprentices are paid a minimum salary of £95 per week while they train. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) recommends that they receive a higher salary wherever possible, but this may vary according to the region you live in. For full details of how to apply go to: www.apprenticeships.co.uk

From apprentice to TV star
As a youngster, Alan Titchmarsh MBE was given the chance to train as a green apprentice by Ilkley Council, Yorkshire.

Alan says: “As a former green apprentice myself, I believe the practical skills provided by these apprenticeships are just as important as university degrees.

“This country needs a new generation of gardeners and I’m delighted more budding horticulturists will soon be able to sign up to this popular scheme.”

For further details: www.direct.gov.uk