Apprenticeships (Parks Service)

The Council currently has four apprentices enrolled on our 4-year Apprentice in Horticulture scheme. The Ards and North Down Borough Council Apprentice in Horticulture scheme aims to teach the highest standards of professional practice to all trainees by offering structured training.

 The apprenticeship role places the apprentices at the heart of our horticulture team where they are gaining an understanding of sector priorities and trends linked to the industry. Apprentices work with up-to-date technology and learn from experienced colleagues working alongside them every day.

On the job tuition is supported by formal training with college day release granted to attend CAFRE Greenmount Campus one day each week to train for their qualifications in Horticulture

Apprenticeships such as this are beneficial for building a skilled workforce and encouraging those looking at career options in the world of horticulture. Our current apprentices -Tiernan, Rae, David and Joshua - started their work-based learning at the Walled Garden in Bangor, and have also been involved in a lot of community events including tree planting and growing clubs with schools and community groups.

Throughout their 4-year apprenticeship program they will have the opportunity to work in different teams within our Parks and Cemeteries department to gain insight into all that we do: from operational services to development and community work.

Find out what they have to say about their experience below!

David

If I must choose a single word to describe my apprenticeship in horticulture, the word I choose is "varied." There are many different jobs to do in the parks and there is so much to learn. I am almost two and a half years into the apprenticeship. For the first couple of years I spent much of my time in the Walled Garden. If you haven't visited it and live close to hand, I recommend you drop in some day and take a look: it is a nice place!

Working for the Council has given me a good overview of all the different jobs that need done in the garden throughout the different seasons, and I believe I have learned a lot, yet I still have a lot to learn! In terms of plants and gardening technique, there is more than enough material to keep a gardener busy for the rest of his life. These days I am out with the mobile work teams travelling between the different sites and learning my way around.

I have also had opportunity to work with the community and see that aspect of the job, which has been a valuable experience. As an apprentice, I attend Greenmount once a week which provides a great blend of practical and theory that should stand me in good stead for the future, whatever that may hold!

Thanks for reading this, and I hope it offers a little insight into what it is to do an apprenticeship in horticulture.

Rae

Since starting my apprenticeship in August 2024, I've had the chance to develop both practical skills and a deeper understanding of horticulture. From propagating plants to laying turf, I've learned a wide range of hands-on techniques that I wouldn't have expected to gain so quickly. Nicky's [Walled Garden Manager] plant identification walks have also been invaluable in helping me expand my plant knowledge, particularly when it comes to understanding plant Latin, which adds a whole new layer to my learning.

Working alongside the volunteers, experienced gardeners, and the other apprentices has also been extremely helpful: they have been welcoming and taught me skills and practical techniques that I couldn't have learnt from textbooks or online resources. Working alongside people that love what they do and have the patience to show you how to do something (even after asking 100 questions) has helped me with my confidence.

Through the apprenticeship, I've been able to connect my love of nature with meaningful work that contributes to local biodiversity. Whether it's planting trees, wildflowers, or getting involved in sustainable practices, every task has reinforced my passion for creating more environmentally conscious spaces.

This hands-on experience has been helpful in shaping my vision for my future in horticulture, and I'm eager to continue growing both personally and professionally.

Tiernan

My name is Tiernan and I've been an apprentice with Ards and North Down Borough Council since September 2024, working in Bangor Walled Garden.

Horticulture is something I've been interested in for a long time and this apprenticeship has been a wonderful opportunity to switch career and do something that I've always been passionate about.

To grow and learn in a helpful and enthusiastic environment filled with a very skilled and talented group of professionals. The role has been outstanding so far; and allowed me to gain hands-on experience working with a diverse group of people; volunteers, lectures, seasoned gardeners and others learning about this fascinating subject.

Once a week I attend a course at CAFRE's Greenmount campus that will give me the qualifications I need to excel in this field. The course features both classroom lectures and practical experience in a safe, learning friendly environment.

It is such a pleasure to work in the exquisite setting of Bangor's hidden gem - the Walled Garden. This is a magisterial feast for the senses, with new vistas of colour and scent around every corner. I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity to learn and work in such a lovely place and as part of such a brilliant team. 

Joshua

My first two years as an apprentice for the Council, I spent my time in the Walled Garden, where I gained practical experience and skills in various aspects of gardening, learning from experienced gardeners and volunteers - good crowd all around.

I have now moved forward out to the Castle Park team to progress and experience the different sites and styles of work: so far so good! I've also been involved in community gardening projects, which have helped me understand the impact of gardening on local environments.

This apprenticeship has not only improved my gardening skills but also deepened my appreciation for nature and work. I'm looking forward to continuing in this field.

For more information about the Apprentice in Horticulture Scheme please contact andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Applications are currently closed: future apprenticeships will be advertised in local press, on our website and through our social media channels.