A week in the life of a Horticulture apprentice

If you’ve ever wondered what a week in the life of a Horticulture Apprentice actually looks like, read on to hear what our current students get up to. 

For apprentices Joseph, Reuben and Ronnie, the week is split between working on site with their employers and spending one day a week at College to develop their horticultural knowledge and practical skills. From landscaping and grounds maintenance to greenhouse sessions and plant identification, every week brings a mix of hands-on work and new learning opportunities.

Earning whilst working

Most of the week learners spend time working with employers across the horticulture and landscaping industry, for our students, this generally means four days at work. The bonus to this way of learning is that each student continues to earn a wage whilst developing their skills.

Reuben joined JBL shortly after leaving school after hearing the company was looking for another apprentice. Originally interested in hard landscaping, he quickly discovered how varied horticulture work could be once he started working in the industry full-time.

Joseph took a different route. He was already working at Faversham Town Council and had gradually become more involved in horticulture work through his role as a Town Ranger. As his interest in the industry grew, he spoke to his employer about completing a course alongside work, which eventually led to the apprenticeship.

Ronnie had a similar experience, already working in landscaping before being encouraged to start the course through a previous employer. Even after moving companies, he continued with the apprenticeship while working at Burr Landscaping.

Although their journeys into horticulture were different, all three apprentices now spend most of the week gaining hands-on experience in the industry. That could mean maintaining public green spaces, supporting community projects, mowing, hedge trimming, garden maintenance or seasonal jobs like leaf clearances, with no two weeks ever quite the same.

Off the job hours

Alongside work, our apprentices spend one day a week at College. This gives them dedicated time with a skilled lecturer to build knowledge and learn techniques that they may not always get the chance to experience at work.

For Joseph, one of the most interesting parts of the course has been learning about how different plants react to different environments and conditions.

Ronnie has also improved his plant identification skills since starting the apprenticeship. This isn’t something he gets the chance to experience much during his usual workday so he’s grateful his time at College can help to fill his skills gaps.

The balance between work and learning is something all three apprentices appreciate, especially having the opportunity to apply what they learn in College back into the workplace.

Heading to the College greenhouses

The college day is also a chance for apprentices to work together, share experiences and spend time developing practical skills in the greenhouses at the EKC Canterbury College Spring Lane Campus.

Coming back into education as an adult can feel quite daunting at first, but for both Joseph and Ronnie, their apprehension was soon settled thanks to the supportive environment and the people around them.

The social side of the Apprenticeship also helps some learners, like Reuben, build confidence and communication skills. Learning to work with others during practical sessions and group activities helps those who previously saw themselves as ‘lone wolves’.

For many apprentices, it’s an opportunity to step away from the pace of the working week and focus on learning and collaborating alongside other peers in the industry.

Braving all weathers

One thing every horticulture apprentice quickly learns is that the job continues whatever the weather decides to do.

Joseph finding working outdoors very rewarding, but says it take a lot of stamina. The weather is always unpredictable – he’s worked in a range of conditions from 30°C sun to subzero temperatures.

Reuben says the key to success is to just take every day as it comes and roll with whatever the weather throws at you. Being okay with physical labour and working outside is key if you’re considering a career in horticulture or landscaping.

For Ronnie, there are definitely pros and cons to working in the natural elements. Sometimes it can be tough to get through the winter days, but he says he just reminds himself of the great tan he gets every summer.

Whether it’s working through freezing winter mornings, rainy days or summer heatwaves, outdoor work is a huge part of the industry.

Finding the right balance between work and College

Balancing work and College work is one of the biggest parts of apprenticeship life, but for many apprentices, their scheduled College days and time ‘off-the-job’ is a welcome change of pace.

Ronnie finds his day at College a nice break from the physical work. Having the chance to work on computers and take the day a little slower than his daily workload helps him to refocus and strengthen the skills he’s learning.

Similarly, Joseph finds his time at College a good balance, allowing him to focus entirely on learning, as work can sometimes be quite busy.

The Apprenticeship route has also suited apprentices like Reuben, who preferred learning through practical experience rather than being in a classroom full-time.

After several days of physical work, the college day offers the chance to focus on learning, develop knowledge and step back from the day-to-day pace of the job.

Planning the future

A key part of any Apprenticeship is to look ahead to the future, whether that’s successfully working in the industry, or continuing to progress up the career ladder with further studies and CPD opportunities.

Although they’re still early in their careers, Joseph, Reuben and Ronnie are already thinking ahead to where horticulture could take them in the future, and how their Apprenticeship might help to get them there.

Joseph hopes to continue progressing through higher-level qualifications and eventually move into site management and planning roles.

Ronnie and Reuben would eventually like to run their own landscaping businesses. Ronnie is keen to work on bigger contracts, whereas Reuben would like to work on domestic jobs where he can make a difference for individual people.

The combination of practical experience, technical knowledge and industry qualifications is already helping them take those next steps towards long-term careers in horticulture and landscaping.

Thinking about a Horticulture Apprenticeship?

A Horticulture Apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while learning, gain real industry experience and build practical skills in a hands-on environment.

For anyone who enjoys working outdoors, learning new skills and being part of a varied working environment, it can be the start of a rewarding long-term career.

If Joseph, Reuben and Ronnie have inspired you to get ‘green-fingered’ learn more today!