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Thats great to know Rowly will keep you informed
If you go down the apprentice route make sure that they have the right attitude to work and study at the same time - they will usually be one day a week at college.
I also believe the they should be paid a decent wage. I think the minimum is £40 per week but I don't think many people can afford to get out of bed for that!! I would pay a standard wage for the job and perhaps something to cover college expenses. Remuneration for young people is key to their retention!
Nick.
We are going to be taking on an aprentice in September.
We had a meeting on site today with the relevant staff from the college he is going to attend, my old one, Shuttleworth. During the meeting today wages where disscused as they have to be paid at least the minimum wage, our aprentice will be 16 so that is £2.68 an hour and they have to work a minimum if 30 hours a week, this does include the time they spend at college too.
It does seem alot easier than we first though, apparently after they are enrolled with the desired college all that is needed is; a writen health and safety policy, a formal employment contract and ppe has to be supplied from what was said today, but this was our first meeting and more may be brought up in future meetings, I beleive there will be 3 in total.
It's a real mixture, sometimes a hassles, sometimes educational but overll it's been really good. He keeps us all on our toes in many ways ;-)
He's taken to it well, not being a typical student and really not excelling during traditional education, but out in the open with the tools of outer industry he's great. We all want him to stay.
I know there are one other threads from other people on LJN describing their experiences....
This Apprenticeship covers both Amenity and Production Horticulture which in turn covers a vast range of horticulture occupations, and would be a good choice for anyone interested in working outdoors and with plants.
Amenity Horticulture includes landscaping, which covers the planning, creation and maintenance of designed landscapes, both urban and rural. A designed landscape is basically any piece of ground that had been changed to make it fit for purpose, rather than left in its wild state.
Amenity horticulture also includes sports turf, golf courses, parks and planning of domestic gardens. It is possible that some businesses work on large projects like motorway landscape construction, while others provide services like domestic gardening.
Production Horticulture deals with a large-scale production of plants for food and ornamental purposes. This includes fruit, vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, plants, flowers and trees for sale. Businesses that an apprentice may be working in will range in size from small private nurseries to specialist farms. Horticulture is a major UK industry experiencing constant development through research.
The nature of the Apprenticeship will depend on your employer – you could find yourself working as a landscaper or gardener. You may learn how to clear sites for planting or how to maintain equipment.
On the Advanced Level Apprenticeship, you could move into a specialist or supervisory role and be involved in planning various activities. Particular health and safety training may be required for different areas of work.
Job Roles
Intermediate Level Apprenticeship
Advanced Level Apprenticeship
http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Types-of-Apprenticeships/Agricult...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/the-age-...
I'm long of the view that in our industry, the only way to really learn is, primarily, by doing the job. I view an apprenticeship as continuous professional and personal development.
I started my 1st ever apprentice on the 4th January this year.
He is affiliated with Myerscough College, other than when he first started with me he does not go in to collage, They have a tutor/mentor who comes out to site once a month spends around 3 hours with him going through work he as done /what he is doing and sets him homework around ten hours of reading and answering questions that the answers will be found if he reads the study sheets.
I could have started him on around £2.68 but I rounded this up to £3.00 he had a birthday in July so I upped his wages to £3.30 again I did not have to.
I have to give him a minimum of 30 hrs a week however the collage know our industry well and as such tell me this is OK done as an average over the year IE 40 hours a week summer 20 hours a week winter.
I have also just received £1500 for taking on this lad.
He as been a asset to my company since day one, I have every wish to retain him once his apprenticeship ends and will not hesitate in giving another young person a chance(doubt they will be as good as this lad but who knows )