2025 marks the 18th National Apprenticeship Week, a week-long celebration of the success of apprenticeships and skills programs. These programs offer significant value, a wide range of benefits, and new opportunities that can be accessed by anyone over 16. There’s no time limit on learning something new!

Apprentices train for the workplace, gain hands-on experience, earn a salary, and study simultaneously to acquire valuable skills while balancing learning and practice. Data from the Department of Education highlights that 92% of apprentices secure employment opportunities upon completing their program.

Skills for Life has been selected as this year’s theme, emphasizing the importance of developing skills, knowledge, and confidence to prepare for the future. This theme closely aligns with the apprenticeships offered within the Parks team. These specialised programs help participants expand their knowledge and become part of a team dedicated to making a real difference in the city’s green spaces.

Within the Parks team, there have been opportunities for apprentices to develop new skills while boosting their confidence.

A member of the Parks team reflected on completing a Level 2 Arboriculture apprenticeship and shared: “The apprenticeship enabled me to gain transferable skills in a working environment, allowing me to earn and learn at the same time. Going through the apprenticeship with others in similar roles provided a wider range of learning experiences and different approaches to various tasks.”

The Parks team includes many individuals who have completed apprenticeships over the years and have reflected positively on their learning experiences. One example is the Ranger apprenticeship, a unique qualification that provides a deeper understanding of the daily responsibilities of a ranger. This program benefits both the apprentices, who gains valuable skills, and the organisation, which gains hardworking and knowledgeable staff.

Several members of the Parks team have undertaken a Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape apprenticeship. Employees in this program perform operations and maintenance to minimise environmental impact, control vegetation, install soft landscape materials, and prepare sites for planting and new habitats.

Apprentices found that adapting to documenting all their work in a learning journal took some getting used to. However, looking back, they recognised how much they had accomplished. Some apprentices noted that working on projects together fostered teamwork and collaboration, reinforcing essential workplace skills.

Apprenticeships are open to everyone over 16, and people at any stage of their career can engage with these opportunities. If this sounds like an experience you would like to explore, visit the apprenticeships page on the Council’s website: Chelmsford Council Apprenticeships.

National Apprentice week have their own website which you can find out more about here: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 – 16 February 2025