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Last month, brothers Kieran and Owen successfully completed their Modern Apprenticeship in Landscaping after two years hard work.
The apprentice exterior landscape technicians joined GP Plantscape in the summer of 2021.
On completion of their induction programme, they joined the exterior maintenance teams travelling to customers sites throughout Central Scotland, honing their practical skills.
Meanwhile, during the winter months, the trainees attended GOSTA Training on a day release basis to develop their knowledge and understanding of landscaping in a classroom setting.
Now, the brothers are delighted to have gained their S.V.Q. SCQF5 (level 2) in Landscaping.
Kieran (18), pictured front right, felt a huge sense of achievement when his apprenticeship certificate came through the post.
He said: “Being at college one day a week really helped. One day I’m at college learning and the next day I’m being able to apply what I’ve learnt out on site.”
It was working in his Papa’s garden that provided the initial insight into landscaping for Kieran. When the position came up at GP Plantscape he jumped at the chance to follow his passion and work outside.
Contrastingly, Owen (23) wasn’t the least bit interested in gardening as a child. But when his younger brother spoke so enthusiastically about his position at GP Plantscape, he decided to give it a bash. He’s never looked back.
Owen said: “It’s the first time I’ve stuck to something and seen it through.”
He said: “It’s probably the first time I’ve enjoyed doing theory work as well. I’ve become more knowledgeable and it feels good to be able to identify plants, know their proper names and have a much more in depth knowledge.
“I want to progress further because I really enjoy it.”
Jimmy Gilchrist, managing director, said: “It’s been fantastic to watch Owen and Kieran develop their technical skills and knowledge during their apprenticeship. Communicating with our customers is also a huge part of the role of an exterior landscaping technician and both apprentices display great communication skills and an attitude commensurate with Our GP Way values.”
Lesley Lowrie, managing director, GOSTA Training said: “GOSTA Training have been delivering Landscaping qualifications for around 30 years. During that time, it has been such a privilege to be able to invest in many amazing students by delivering the knowledge and understanding to enable them to achieve their qualification. Kieran and Owen were two of those students who worked very hard at college, their work and were an asset to the class.
“It also has to be said that working with GP Plantscape has been such a positive experience for us as a company. GP Plantscape invest in training and have such a positive attitude to up-skilling their team.”
The two-year training programme has equipped both apprentices with the knowledge and skills required to confidently and competently fulfil their roles as exterior landscape technicians.
As part of their apprenticeship qualification, they have also gained certificates in Emergency First Aid at Work and Manual Handling.
During the winter months the guys assist with the delivery of GP’s gritting and snow clearing and Christmas services.
What’s next?
The next items on the agenda for the siblings are to pass their driving tests and to gain their PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates.
Congratulations Owen and Kieran on a well-deserved achievement.
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