Apprenticeship schemes are rapidly gaining in popularity, with high university fees causing a large number of young people to assess their higher education options and seek to enter the workplace at an earlier age. As a result, the National Apprenticeship Scheme is urging big businesses across the UK to consider taking on apprentices in order to provide young people with more options and expand the talent pool within the country.
Homebase has become the latest retailer to catch on to the initiative, revealing its plans for youth opportunities this week. The Garden Academy will be open for young people aged 16 and above, and will allow apprentices to learn first-hand with partner and Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Adam Frost.
Mr Frost believes that the apprenticeship scheme is important in both social and career-based progression.
He says; “I am increasingly worried that our next generation of young people are not connecting with what’s outside their back door.
“This is not only a social issue, but increasingly a challenge for our industry as young people are not excited by careers in gardening.
“I realised that by working together, we have the opportunity to do something special and inspire these apprentices through a variety of experiences to go on and do great things.”
During the course of the apprenticeship, participants will be able to take part in a number of different challenges designed to give them a broad experience of gardening and horticulture. As well as their own set of gardening tools, they will receive a video camera and netbook computer with which to record and document their achievements.
While much of the course focuses on garden retailing – apprentices will work for full-time periods at their local Homebase store in order to learn on the job – Mr Frost will be personally involved in teaching the key stages of garden planning and design. Furthermore, he will guide apprentices through a series of practical horticultural skills which will see them receive a Royal Horticultural Society Level 1 Award upon completing the course.
Yet this award is not the only incentive to perform to a high standard, as Homebase will offer all apprentices who complete the scheme to a satisfactory level a position at their nearest store, offering a level of potential income security which may prove very attractive in the current employment market.
Trading director for Garden at Homebase, Matthew Compton, believes that the scheme is invaluable for those seeking to expand their employment horizons.
He says; “As one of the UK’s leading garden retailers, we are committed to championing our industry as a great career choice.
“The Garden Academy provides an exciting opportunity for people to make the most of their passion for the outdoors, regardless of their gardening experience.”
Do you think that young people will be tempted by this opportunity created by Homebase?
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