The horticulture industry as a whole employs 568,700 and contributes £24.2 billion.

“Hello, I’m Ann and I’m a Level 3 Team Leader apprentice. I am studying for my Horticulture Supervisor qualification at Capel Manor College.

“I had quite a varied career before deciding to try something new.  I studied fashion and design and worked as a theatrical costumier, making costumes for productions like West End shows Wicked, Thriller and Phantom of the Opera. It could be very exciting but, after nine years mostly working indoors, I decided I wanted a change and to try something new – but I didn’t know what!  I have had an interest in gardens for as long as I can remember, but I hadn’t even considered a career in horticulture. It was never something that was even talked about at school.  With a little research I decided to go for it.  After all, I’d still get to use my attention to detail and design skills, but with plants instead of fabric.

“Going back into full-time study was not an option, as I had bills to pay by then. I had assumed that Apprenticeships were just for school or college leavers so I was pleased to find out that I could apply for one too!  An apprenticeship gives you a real hands-on practical experience in a real job role, learning the right skills in the right environment. This was very important to me as I felt I needed to get a feel for the industry not just the subject in a classroom environment. With City Gardens, I first completed my Level 2 Landscape Operative apprenticeship and then there was an opportunity for me to go on to do the Level 3 Supervisor, which is what I am currently working towards.

“There is no such thing as an average day in my job! Most of the time I am outside, which I really love.  The City Gardens team I am part of are responsible for green space management of around 170 sites within the London Square Mile that includes gardens, churchyards, planters and street trees. A lot of our work involves general maintenance such as weeding gardens and keeping green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter. We also provide plants with appropriate seasonal care, cut hedges and lawns, look after flower borders and prepare and plant our seasonal displays. We are also involved with different project work throughout the city such as planting street trees and the redevelopment of different areas. 

“I currently supervise four Level Two apprentices, so I also support them with their studies, providing them encouragement, feedback and suggestions for their development. I will arrange training on different pieces of machinery for them and organising their appraisals and onsite practical assessments.

“One of the things I enjoy about my job is working within a great team. When I first started, I was new to horticulture with no gardening experience. I doubted my abilities and questioned myself throughout my apprenticeship. But the team I was working with really supported me and I was able to learn so many skills that will help me in the industry. I have found the people I have come across in this industry to be very welcoming and helpful they are eager to pass on their knowledge.

“I also absolutely love seeing the plants change throughout the seasons. I am constantly learning new plants and, although I find the Latin scientific names challenging, it’s very enjoyable being able to recognise plants when I am out and about.

“I have discovered there are many skills you will gain when going into this industry. Each sector uses a range of specialised technical skills. However, the one thing I have learnt from my tutor at college is that they are all underpinned by the basic horticultural science including skills of soil and water management, plant nutrition, pests and disease management, and plant knowledge. You can decide to have a basic understanding of these subjects or delve into them in more depth, but at the end of the day having this basic understanding will make your daily tasks much easier and more enjoyable. There are of course lots of practical skills that are unique for example the different pieces of horticulture machinery.

“The horticulture industry in the UK employs over half a million people and contributes £24.2 billion to our economy so it is a really important, worthwhile sector. It’s not a ‘last resort’ for those who have failed academically.  A job in horticulture provides a salary that is sustainable.  It's a highly skilled profession and most of the gardeners I know have a string of qualifications to their name. It’s not just for young men who climb trees with chain saws and it’s one of the most popular ‘career change’ industries for older people too. You could work as a garden designer or professional gardener, in a retail plant nursery or garden centre, manage or work in a historic garden or a big garden; you could be a landscaper, or go into plant science, forestry, park keeping and more. There are so many roles to choose from!”

For more information visit www.golandscape.co.uk