GROW, the award winning Royal Parks' apprenticeship scheme, is now open to applicants. The three year course, which combines practical experience in London's finest parks with college-based learning, is ideal for young people interested in pursuing a career in horticulture.

Primarily aimed at school leavers aged 16 to 18, the next course starts in September and the application deadline is 15 April 2010. Successful applicants will be based in one of The Royal Parks and be paid a salary to work as an Apprentice Gardener and to study at Capel Manor College in Regent's Park. At the end of the three year course, Apprentices will be awarded with a Royal Horticultural Society Level Two Certificate in Horticulture and a Diploma in Work-based Horticulture.

Matthew Robinson, Horticultural Landscape Development Officer for The Royal Parks said: "The Royal Parks' Apprenticeship Programme is ideal for school leavers who are keen to pursue a career in horticulture, and it provides an excellent foundation to take up a hands on role or to progress to a management or supervisory post. We hope that the opportunity to work in a beautiful environment, that means so much to people who live in or visit London, will inspire many young people to apply."

Media enquiries:

The Royal Parks: Katy Murray 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. For further details about the scheme, or for an application form, please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk/royalparksapprentice.
• The Royal Parks landscape contractors currently are: Fountains plc; Enterprise plc; Turfsoil Ltd and Veolia plc.
• 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.
• Training involves all aspects of plant maintenance, cultivation and landscape development. Apprentices also learn about pest control through chemical, biological and cultural methods, operation and maintenance of a wide range of machinery, and soil science.
• The starting salary for apprentices is between £12,000 and £13,000, dependent on age, skills and experience.

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.