Zoe Basham recently completed the Royal Parks Apprenticeship in summer 2010 and has been successful in securing full-time employment with the landscape maintenance contractor at Greenwich Park.

She recalls her experiences whilst being on the Royal Parks Apprenticeship programme.

How would you outline your main role?
I was part of a team who maintain the Park. I worked four days per week at Greenwich Park and spent one day a week at Capel Manor College.

What were your main responsibilities?
I carried out a wide range of gardening and horticultural tasks, including mowing and grass cutting, hedge trimming, weeding, planting out bedding and pruning shrubs.

What hours did you work?
I had an early start at 7.00am and finish at 4.00pm, with a 3.00pm finish on Fridays. I was also on the rota for weekends, working 4.00pm to 8.00pm one weekend in six, for which I got time off in lieu.

What was your work environment like?
It was very enjoyable; I worked in one of the finest parks in London and met many members of the public. Everyone was really friendly and my colleagues were always willing to help. Although I was one of only two females within the workforce, I didn't have any problems fitting in.

Who did you work with?
I worked as part of quite a large team of around 30 to 40 people depending on the time of year. Most are gardeners, while there are other members of staff who drive refuse collection vehicles or road sweepers.

What skills or qualities did you need?
I started to learn horticultural skills as I progressed at work and college so you don't necessarily need many to start with. You need to be a hands-on person who is not afraid of hard physical work, often in the cold or the rain. My job also requireed a fair amount of common sense!

Why did you choose this type of work?
I originally trained to be a florist, but felt I didn't want to be stuck inside all day as I like working outdoors in a practical job.

What training have you done?
My training was very wide-ranging. I have learnt a lot about gardening and horticulture at work, particularly how to use machinery and worked towards my NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Amenity Horticulture, which were assessed by my supervisor. I also been studied towards the Royal Horticultural Society Certificate in Horticulture. As well as this I have received training in the Safe Use of Pesticides and in First Aid.

Do you use any special tools or equipment?
I used a wide range of machinery including walk-behind and ride-on lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, sprayers, strimmers and tractors. I also drove vans and it is fairly important to have a driving licence to work in this industry.

What did you like/dislike about your job?
I liked the environment in which I work; it is nice to be working outdoors in a beautiful park. There were also lots of opportunities for me to learn more and there was a wide range of tasks that need to be carried out, so one day is often very different from the previous one. Working outdoors in the cold and the rain can be a bit of a pain, but my employer provided me with wet-weather clothing and all my protective equipment. Litter picking can be a bit boring, but it has to be done and can actually be good thinking time!

What were the main challenges?
My college studies could be quite a challenge. We were very busy and I had to get work, such as plant profiles and witness statements for my NVQ, completing to the right standard and on time. How do you

Zoe's route

GCSEs » BTEC National Diploma in floristry at Southwark College » Floristry training and employment » Applied for a Royal Parks Apprenticeship » Appointed as a Royal Parks Apprenticeship with Turfsoil Ltd. Recently been successful in securing full-time employment with the landscape maintenance contractor at Greenwich Park.

Zoe's tips

• Think about an Apprenticeship. I think they're much better than studying full time at college as you get hands-on experience at the same time as gaining formal qualifications.
• When you go for your interview, be prepared to sit tests for numeracy and literacy as well.