A search is underway for 10 green-fingered young people to work in Liverpool’s parks and gardens.
They need to be Liverpool residents aged 16 and 17 and not in education, employment or training (NEET), and will be recruited by Glendale Liverpool, the city council’s grounds maintenance partner.
They will take part in a 12 month pre-apprentice scheme which will give them paid work experience, alongside studying for a level 1 NVQ in horticulture.
They will be assigned an in-house apprentice as a mentor to offer support, advice, encouragement and act as a ‘buddy’ when they need extra support.
On successful completion of the pre-apprenticeship and having met the set criteria they will get the opportunity of a five year apprenticeship.
There are also two further apprenticeships on offer to Liverpool residents 16 and 17 year olds interested in a career in Business Administration, supporting the operational management of the organisation.
Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills, said: “We need to make sure every young person gets the chance to compete for a job and develop relevant skills and experience.
“I am delighted that Glendale, one of our key partners, have signed up to this initiative to give young people the chance to take the first step on to the employment ladder.
“It is absolutely vital we don’t end up with a lost generation of teenagers who aren’t given the opportunity to achieve their potential.”
Glendale Liverpool have responsibility for the maintenance of the city’s parks and open spaces, cemeteries and golf courses including sports grounds and play areas totalling 14 million square metres.
Peter Cosgrove, General Manager of Glendale Liverpool, said: “We are really proud of our apprenticeship programme which is helping bring on a new generation of staff with horticulture skills.”
People who are interested need to register by 4pm on Friday 27 September by emailing michael.meaney@liverpool.gov.uk with their name, age, date of birth, address, postcode, telephone and email address and indicating which position they are interested in. They can also call 0151 233 5346.
