Horticultural Apprentice Review

Duties include horticultural work done by hand, so things like digging and planting. Use of machinery was also involved and the council has a pretty extensive lot of ride-on mowers, trimmers and motorised cuting machines. There is also limited interaction with the public while on the job in parks or sports fields.

Yes, I learned a great deal of words for plants and trees in Latin. I was taught about the life cycle and how the seasons affect the growth and life of the plants. I also learned to use tools and machinery while bettering my hand skills with smaller jobs for example; a flower bed.

At the beginning I found it hard because of getting to know everybody but once past that I felt much better and confident making it much more enjoy. Overall I enjoyed, I guess 4 days out of 5 because I was definitely tired at the end of the working week, which is Mon to Fri.

In total there was a team of 20 horticultural colleagues or employees working by my side and things ran quite smooth. Everybody's a line manager and a human resources department to turn to and being late was not accepted, meaning work started at the time it should each day.

Plenty of support was offered by Luton borough council through long serving members of staff, they know what your position is like and are able to listen should you need it which makes it a good experience. Training was carried out often so everyone knew what was going on and what to do.

All training was taking place at work so the paper side of the work just needed filling in with your training provider who is on the job with you. There was access to make a phone call to the training provider which was also very helpful. I felt well supported as an apprentice.

The training material was matching day to day operations carried out while at work and anything else was explained and broken down for me so I could understand so when it came to doing the job I knew what I was doing. My role matched my qualification in that I was competent at my role.

In this role all apprentices from the same intake attended an outward bound trip. This involved team building exercises and planning. It was an opportunity to network with other colleagues and enjoy yourself. I also think there was a small five a side football team playing on Fridays and transport was provided.

Yes

This role can set you up for a long term career which provides a good pension and stable employment. Pay is good although not the best but still good. I had a normal nine to five job working Mon to Fri and Luton borough council is set in Luton, handy if you live there.

Time keeping is very important aswel as getting to know your colleagues as you will be working with them. I would advise you to take in as much as possible because there's alot to learn so possibly bring a note pad and pen and always ask for help if you need it.