British Communities Secretary John Denham has announced plans to recruit 175 green-fingered apprentices to get parks and gardens growing in some of the country’s most deprived areas.

Councils will be inviting budding horticulturists to apply for green apprenticeships as part of the government’s drive to tackle the number of young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). The scheme aims to help young people develop new ‘green’ skills that will lead to future full time employment.

As part of the announcement, Mr Denham will put another £700,000 into the pot to create 175 council horticulture apprenticeships following the overwhelming response to last year’s launch that created 47 apprenticeships.

Today, only around 5 per cent of 16 year olds are NEET – the lowest for over a decade.  Despite this Mr Denham, in a speech to the Local Government Association, was clear that ‘We cannot be complacent, in the downturn we need to redouble our efforts to address this problem.’

Mr Denham outlined three areas where all councils should follow the example of the best – helping create more apprenticeship places; taking advantage of the huge financial support from Government; and demonstrating their public and practical commitment by signing up to the Backing Young Britain campaign.

John Denham said:

“This scheme will start the training for a new generation of green-fingered apprentices, giving them the skills that this country needs to keep our parks and gardens growing.

“Green spaces should be at the heart of our communities if we’re really going to tackle climate change and protect our environment and our health. These apprentices will be green ambassadors in the areas that need them most.

“The Government is determined to play its part in supporting every single young person through these difficult times, making sure that everyone has access to learning and training beyond the school gate.”

Councils will be looking for people who can prove their gardening prowess and follow in the footsteps of one former green apprentice, Alan Titchmarsh. As a youngster, Alan was given the chance to train as a green apprentice by Ilkley Council, Yorkshire.

Adding his support for the scheme, Alan Titchmarsh MBE said:

“As a former green apprentice myself I believe the practical skills provided by these apprenticeships are just as important as university degrees. This country needs a new generation of gardeners and I’m delighted more budding horticulturists will soon be able to sign up to this popular scheme.”

Speaking at the LGA conference on young people, Mr Denham said:

“Every single young person in Britain deserves every possible opportunity to realize their potential and get their adult life off to a successful start.  This current generation cannot be denied their chance because of the tougher economic climate.

“On the contrary – it should make us even more determined to make sure they have the support and chances they need.

“We in central Government are making those opportunities available – through unprecedented investment in the Future Jobs Fund, in apprenticeships, and through the Backing Young Britain campaign; as well as our ongoing investment in and reforms to education.  But we cannot do it alone.  We are relying on councils to play their part.”

Iain Wright, Minister for Apprenticeships and 14-19 Reform, said:

“John Denham is right that we shouldn’t leave any young person behind. A generation of young people in the 1980s failed to meet their potential and the social and economic consequences are still being felt today.

“At a time of economic downturn, it is vital we continue to invest in young people – and the September Guarantee, the 14-19 curriculum reforms and Education Maintenance Allowance are all having a major positive effect.

“Latest official figures show that the percentage of 16- and 17-year-olds who are NEET fell for the third consecutive year and the proportion of 16-year-olds NEET was the lowest for more than a decade.

“Today’s announcement to further support Apprenticeships and to recognize those local authorities which boost youth employment is more evidence of this Government’s commitment to reduce the number of young people NEET.”

Source: Communities and Local Government

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