The Sharpham Trust headquarters, near Totnes, has a new head gardener, Jesse Hammond, who recently completed a NVQ Level 2 Horticultural Apprenticeship with Bicton College. Jesse, 25, from Totnes in Devon, was made redundant two year's ago, and was considering his options when he came across the apprenticeship in horticulture at Sharpham Trust on the National Apprenticeship Service website. Jesse has always enjoyed working outdoors and applied for the role because at the time he couldn't afford to pay for his own training - a decision that led to the successful completion of the Level 2 Horticultural apprenticeship and subsequent head gardener job offer from the Sharpham Trust. Jesse has shown great commitment and dedication in achieving his level 2 apprenticeship, working under the guidance of Sharpham's previous head gardener. Chris Nicholls, Director of Sharpham Trust, said of Jesse: 'We could tell from the outset that Jesse was worth investing in, although he didn't have the experience or qualifications on paper to show for it'. Jesse has since said that completing his apprenticeship gave him the confidence to apply for the role of head gardener at Sharpham Park: 'Without the apprenticeship I wouldn't have this job 'it has given me exactly the right skills and knowledge' Jesse is now working towards a level 3 qualification and is planning to make the gardens, woodlands and orchard at Sharpham more accessible by opening-up these areas to the public, and encouraging learning through gardening by getting volunteers and work experience students involved. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. They are a fantastic way of getting paid work-experience and an industry recognised qualification. If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, or are an employer who is looking to recruit an apprentice, Bicton College offers a wide range of land-based apprenticeships throughout Devon. Contact Bicton Employer Services Team on 01395 562440
