more about the initiative here - they are genuinely putting effort into making things better for #mechanic #apprentices - but the issue is whether #garages are hiring them in the first place (as well as attracting young people to study #automotiive courses at college)
https://www.catmag.co.uk/features/career-for-life-goal-for-new-laser-tools-future50-initiative/
This is a good initiative - Laser make decent #tools - I didn't even realise they had been around 50 years!
In UK #apprentices are expected to swallow the cost of buying their own tools, which is partly why there is a shortage of #mechanics in the whole country (the toolkit is worth about £500)
Working in the #trades has never been *that* "uncool" amongst young people - even when I was a teen, and its not surprising these careers may seem more appealing as University fees rise, and remaining entry level office jobs that haven't been #outsourced disappear due to #AI .
what the article doesn't mention is the poor pay for #apprentices, potential toxic work environments and precarity of work when starting out - at least the tools from #Draper targeted at new starters seem both affordable and decent quality
https://www.installeronline.co.uk/build/working-in-the-trades-is-cool-says-gen-z/
The long awaited follow-up to my insightful and incredibly well written blog about trying to become a teacher is up!
https://www.bone-idol.net/2025/03/09/teaching_devops_part2/
Disclaimer: may not be insightful or well written, but it is up.
#Teaching #Apprentices #Apprenticeships #GlosCol #DevOps #FurtherEducation
It's National Apprenticeship Week #NAW2026 (as if you didn't already know!)
As part of our celebrations we've put a page together with some amazing #CaseStudies from #apprentices and #employers, alongside our new 'Growing Together' #impact report (which features a picture on the cover of yours truly seemingly explaining what I'd like to do to incalcitrant colleagues ;-))
Take a look, there's some lovely affirming stuff in here: https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/degree-apprenticeships/national-apprenticeship-week
Botanic Garden apprentices go from beginners to running Wales’ biggest glasshouse
The Carmarthenshire attraction is marking more than a decade of its horticultural apprenticeship programme during Apprenticeship Week Wales, saying the scheme has helped tackle what it describes as a long‑term skills shortage in the sector.
Garden says apprentices now run major plant collections
According to the Garden, some of the apprentices first recruited in 2015 — many with no horticultural experience — now help run the Great Glasshouse, which the Garden describes as the world’s largest single‑span glasshouse. The organisation says apprentices also contribute to maintaining plant collections seen by around 200,000 visitors a year.
Head of Horticulture, Learning and Nature, Donald Murray, said the programme was launched because the sector was facing “a long‑term workforce challenge”.
“Fewer young people were entering horticulture yet demand for skilled practitioners to care for living plant collections and landscapes was rising,” he said. “Apprenticeships were a great way to tackle the skills gap.”
An apprentice tends to plants near the Great Glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales during a training rotation.14 apprentices recruited, says Garden
The Garden says it has recruited 14 apprentices over the past decade, ranging from school leavers to career changers, with around half progressing into full‑time roles. According to the organisation, former apprentices now lead specialist areas including the Great Glasshouse and the Double Walled Garden.
The Garden says its current apprentices follow a structured two‑year programme involving seasonal, hands‑on learning and rotational placements across its 568‑acre site. Apprentices also work towards qualifications such as RHS Level 2 Principles of Horticulture, which the Garden says is supported through funded training.
“Integral to our success,” says Garden
Donald Murray said apprentices now play a central role in the Garden’s operations.
“Apprenticeships have become integral to our success,” he said. “They strengthen our ability to deliver high‑quality horticulture and support our wider mission of education, skills development and public engagement.”
He added that apprentices bring “fresh ideas and energy”, and that many career‑changing recruits contribute valuable life experience.
According to the Garden, apprentices also gain skills through project work and seasonal programmes, including contributing to show gardens at events such as the Royal Welsh Show.
Aerial view of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, showing the Great Glasshouse and surrounding gardens.(Image: National Botanic Gardens Of Wales)Garden says scheme supports Wales’ wider green skills agenda
The organisation says apprentices also act as “ambassadors for horticulture, biodiversity and wellbeing” by engaging with visitors, volunteers and community groups.
Looking ahead, the Garden says it hopes to expand its apprenticeship model into science, conservation, education, estates management and hospitality.
“For other businesses considering apprentices, it’s been a no‑brainer for us,” Donald Murray said. “It’s helped us grow and filled key skills gaps.”
Minister praises programme
Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant said the scheme is an example of how apprenticeships can support Wales’ environmental ambitions.
“Apprenticeships like those at the National Botanic Garden of Wales are essential to building the skilled workforce we need to tackle the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss,” he said.
“By combining hands‑on experience with recognised qualifications, we’re equipping the next generation with practical expertise to protect and restore our natural environment.”
A wider drone view captures the Great Glasshouse set within the Botanic Garden’s 568‑acre landscape.Apprenticeship Week Wales runs from 9–15 February 2026, highlighting the impact of apprenticeship programmes across the country.
#apprentices #Apprenticeship #ApprenticeshipWeek #Gardening #GreatGlasshouse #horticulture #NationalBotanicGardenOfWales #skillsGap
Panels on display for judging in the 1906 signwriting apprentices competition in England. These competitions offered medals in various categories, and here the task was to layout and letter identical content ahead of a panel of experts awarding points and critiques.
The picture is among those I snapped in haste when I got a couple of hours at the British Library to look through hundreds of issues of the Journal of Decorative Art.
#SignPainting #Signwriting #Apprenticeship #Apprentices #Craft
Swansea student digs in as Aberglasney unveils new bursary recruits
Aberglasney Gardens has announced that Swansea’s Jason Paine and Norfolk‑born Hannah Finnemore have joined its team under the 2025 Student Bursary Scheme, a 12‑month funded placement offering hands‑on training in one of Wales’s most historic gardens.
Jason, from Swansea, said the pandemic forced him to rethink his future. After being moved outdoors from a café job, he discovered a passion for gardening that led him to Singleton Park Botanical Gardens in Swansea and later Newton House at Dinefwr near Llandeilo before securing his Aberglasney bursary.
Jason Paine said:
“Aberglasney has grown with me. I remember visiting as a boy, walking through the yew archway and enjoying tea and scones by the pool garden. Now I’m lucky enough to learn from head gardeners trained at Kew and Wisley.”
Hannah, originally from Norfolk, studied at Coleg Sir Gâr before joining Aberglasney. She said the gardens’ mix of historic features and modern planting made the placement an ideal fit.
Hannah Finnemore, one of Aberglasney’s new bursary students, pictured among banana palms in the gardens’ subtropical section.Hannah Finnemore said:
“I love that everyone is enthusiastic to improve the gardens even more. The projects are an interesting challenge and I hope to develop my own garden design style.”
Aberglasney Gardens Director Helen Scutt said the pair had already “fitted right in” with the team.
“Our gardens are ever‑evolving, and students get unique opportunities to take part in major landscape projects. I’m sure this year’s students will enjoy playing a part in making Aberglasney’s gardens special for our visitors.”
The Aberglasney bursary runs for 12 months, offering training in everyday gardening tasks and specialist skills such as bulb planting and propagation.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Aberglasney to feature in ITV gardening show
Carmarthenshire’s Aberglasney Gardens will appear in Alan Titchmarsh’s latest series, showcasing its historic beauty.
Orchids take over Aberglasney Mansion
Exotic blooms fill every room as the Welsh Orchid Festival returns to Aberglasney for its 20th year.
New Head Gardener joins Aberglasney team
James Latham takes the reins at Aberglasney Gardens, bringing a lifelong passion for horticulture.
#AberglasneyGardens #apprentices #BotanicalGardens #Carmarthenshire #Gardening #StudentBursary
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