During his Trees and Timber apprenticeship at Capel Manor, John Ireland worked for the City of London Corporation in Epping Forest. After leaving school he worked in offices and retail before making the move to the countryside. An apprenticeship was never mentioned to John as an alternative to college or university.

“With an apprenticeship you learn the theory and apply it in the real world straight away. This training has given me a skill, a trade, something that gives me control of my career. My certificates are internationally recognised.”

From a young age Lyndon Thompson had always had a passion for plants. He began working at a garden centre where he heard about the apprenticeship scheme. Taking advantage of the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time, he completed his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Amenity Horticulture, and then progressed onto The Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship at Capel Manor’s centre in Regent’s Park.

“I most enjoyed learning about plant propagation and different growing environments. The apprenticeship has given me knowledge that I lacked and taught me a variety of skills and techniques, which I see as my tools for a successful career.”

Ami Cowley was working with horses when she initially took a seasonal job working at Shenley Park. She was offered full-time work in the gardens on condition that she took training as well, which was a bit of a concern for her at first because she had left school at 16.

“It’s good to be paid while you train. I like to be learning new things, to be outside and I love making the park look nice. When I left school I didn’t know what I wanted to do and now I get paid for what I love. And the apprenticeship qualification can take you anywhere.”

Natalie Small loves all things arboricultural. Having been home schooled she took up a course for 14-16-year-olds at Capel Manor’s Heaven Academy when she was just 14.

“That introduced you to three subjects – horticulture, animal care and countryside management. Then I discovered arboriculture and one of the tutors told me about the Tree and Timber apprenticeship. The idea of being paid while you’re learning was great.”

Natalie attended Horsenden Hill Farm, Capel Manor’s centre for arboriculture in west London, whilst working on maintenance, tree reduction, felling, and some tree climbing with Anther Tree Services. “The apprenticeship is a great way of learning because you get hands on experience as well as college. It’s the reality and the theory at the same time,”