Apprentices celebrated at award ceremony in Hyde Park

The Royal Parks horticultural apprentices recently gathered at the Hyde Park Learning Centre to have their achievements recognised at The Royal Parks Guild’s annual awards ceremony.

The awards were presented by The Royal Parks Chief Executive, Andrew Scattergood and The Royal Parks Guild Chairman, Mike Fitt OBE.

The George Cook Award, which is open to final year apprentices and recognises outstanding commitment and achievement over the course of the apprenticeship scheme, was awarded to Emma Louise-Andrews, third year apprentice at Richmond Park. The award is sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Gardeners.

The award for ‘Outstanding self-learning and continuous development’ was awarded to Erin Whittaker, third year apprentice at The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill.

The Royal Parks Guild Special Award was awarded to Jay Talbot, second year apprentice at St James's Park.

The Toni Assirati Award for a ‘Positive influence on others, society and the environment’ was awarded to Zac Barber, third year apprentice at Bushy Park.

The award for ‘Achieving excellence in academic learning, practical skills and support of colleagues’ was awarded to Rebecca Shingles, second year apprentice at Hyde Park.

The event also featured an inspirational talk from guest speaker Tayshan Haden-Smith and founder of Grow2Know CiC. Tayshan is a RHS Ambassador, presents BBC2’s Your Garden Made Perfect and showcased his first garden at The Chelsea Flower Show in 2022.

The Royal Parks Horticultural Apprenticeship scheme has been running since 1962. The current scheme started in 2008 and is run as a partnership between The Royal Parks, the Landscape Maintenance Contractors, the Learning Provider (now Capel Manor College) and The Royal Parks Guild who provide mentoring, awards, masterclasses and other special events.

Applications for the apprentice scheme will re-open in February 2024. For more information about the scheme visit The Royal Parks Horticultural Apprenticeship Scheme page.