Apprentice gardener Review

I work in a lovely team and enjoy the work itself. Being outside most of the year is a pleasure, and the pace of our work is busy but never stressful. I think the course itself is more grounds maintenance than finer botany/horticulture, which might disappoint someone hoping for a more academic experience, but the team take pride in the work we do and we aim high for the residents in all we do, in terms of providing pleasant green spaces for those who might be unable to do this for themselves. The job is very physically demanding which is also rewarding but worth knowing about in advance, as if you had limited mobility/physical health issues, you would struggle with many of the day-to-day tasks. Because the company is so big, sometimes it can take a while for repairs to be done (as requests seem to be passed around departments) which can be frustrating for residents. The company itself is very friendly and cares about employees, as there is lots of support provided and friendly faces wherever you go. I enjoy working here but don't think the apprenticeship provider for gardening and horticulture has been implemented to best success yet.

I have learnt a great deal since working here! It is a very different job to anything I have previously worked in, much more practical and physical, and I have learned how to operate lots of different types of machinery including ride-on mowers and power tools. I have passed courses in PA1 and PA6 (theory and practice of the safe handling of herbicides) and First Aid at Work. I have learned about Health and Safety and how risk assess for myself, my team members and the public. I have also developed skills in listening to and providing practical support/next steps for residents as a lot of the people we work with are disadvantaged in some way, and often need someone to listen to them and/or help them. I have learnt to work well in a team in very practical ways, and can see how this benefits our work, and makes the experience enjoyable for everyone. I have also built on my organisational skills in terms of planning and prioritising work, and sequencing tasks according to the seasons and the weather.

There are two 'Apprenticeship Unwrapped' events each year, which bring apprentices together - one is a work-focused day, the other a team-building fun away day. Clarion itself has lots of networks inside the organisation, including those focused on gender, LGBTQ+, neurodiversity and others, and the many onboarding sessions bring you together with people from other areas of the business, so you quickly feel at home within it. There are charity events, lunch and learn sessions, sports groups and it is easy to find others and make informal connections with them too. Within the east London gardening team, we try to have a social each season, some of us play tennis together, and we all support each other through attending resident involvement days/community garden sessions whever we can.

Research the company first and look at its aims and ideals - think about how you can fit in with these, and how you can make a difference. Look carefully at the job description and ensure you have a clear idea of how you would be able to fulfil this role, preparing examples to discuss should you get to interview. If you are coming straight from education and have little job experience, think about other situations where you may have developed skills and qualities required for the job - voluntary work, caring responsibilities, etc. Bring your enthusiasm! Show Clarion how you can make the difference they are looking for.