The Royal Parks launched an apprenticeship programme website today: www.royalparksapprentice.org.uk.

The purpose of this new website is to broaden interest in GROW, the award winning Royal Parks' apprenticeship scheme, and to attract a wider range of suitable applicants to help address the skills shortage in the horticultural industry. The website provides details about the apprenticeship course, a downloadable application pack and booklet for those wishing to apply.

Peter Hughes, Horticultural Landscape Development Officer for The Royal Parks said: "The Royal Parks' Apprenticeship Programme offers a fantastic opportunity for people to combine practical experience and classroom learning in an environment renowned for horticultural excellence. We hope this new website will make it easier to find out about the scheme and will inspire people to apply."

Media enquiries:

For further information please contact: Katy Murray, The Royal Parks on 0300 061 2128 or email kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk.

Notes to Editors

About The Royal Parks Apprenticeship Scheme:

• GROW, The Royal Parks Apprenticeship Programme is run in partnership with its landscape maintenance contractors, and Capel Manor College, and is open to young people as well as older applicants and existing staff. For further details about the scheme, or for an application form, please visit: www.royalparksapprentice.org.uk.
• As a result of the successful Apprenticeship Programme, The Royal Parks won the �Most Outstanding Commitment to Training Award' in the October 2008 Horticulture Week Awards.
• Apprentices gain experience in the care and management of public and private gardens, sports grounds and green community areas. This involves development and maintenance of lawns and borders, trees, shrubs, hedges, herbaceous plants and bedding displays.
• On completion of the three-year course, participants will be fully qualified as gardeners with NVQ Levels II & III in Amenity Horticulture and The Royal Horticultural Society Certificate. They will also be in a very good position to take on supervisory and management roles in the horticultural industry.

About The Royal Parks:

• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
• The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.
• For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk.