Q) Tell us about your role?

A) My role at Warwick university is apprentice gardener. I have been doing this since September 2024. I am learning how to maintain the outdoor areas of university and learning horticultural skills from experienced team members.

Q) What is the most challenging part of your role?

A)The most challenging part about getting into horticulture is believing in yourself to be able to do it. I personally have a lot of experience in manual jobs in similar fields and have had experience in hard landscaping, but I think it's mainly just showing your interest and that you want to learn.

Q) What is your biggest work achievement so far?

A) My biggest achievement so far is probably the first time I planted a tree. Something about the longevity and the probability the three will be there long after me was something I found really interesting and felt very humble

Q) How did you discover your apprenticeship and what was the application process?

A) I discovered the job online and realized it was something that interested me and was a great opportunity to get a qualification. I just sent off my cv and crossed my fingers. I've always enjoyed working outside and being from Coventry I've always known Warwick was a nice place to work. luckily, I was contacted by Warwick to come for an interview and the rest is history. The interview day was great, and everyone made me feel welcome.

Q) Where do you see yourself in the future?

A) I hope to stay at Warwick after my apprenticeship and work my up and hopefully do my level 3 when the time is right.

Q) What advice do you have for someone looking to complete an apprenticeship?

A) My advice to new apprentices is try your best and believe you can do and if doesn't go your way you can always try another path.