Horticulture Apprenticeship Success | Former Apprentice, Bradley Tennant

Former horticulture apprentice, Bradley Tennant, tells us about his experiences with PM Training and how he has progressed into a successful full-time position as a groundsman with Nottingham Forest Football Club.

What did you want to do when you left school?

Honestly, at the time I really had no idea of what type of career I wanted. I knew I had skills and a certain talent for various subjects but this still didn't help my quest to find a career path. On a positive, one thing it did show me was the amount of possible opportunities I could explore. 

Why did you choose PM Training?

What attracted me most was the vast amount of options available at PM Training. I could still continue to decide what I wanted to do while picking up vital skills and qualifications before I'd even entered an apprenticeship.

What was your apprenticeship?

At first, I spent 3 months at PM learning skills within various trades before an opportunity arose at a local gardening company called Natures Way. I quickly took this opportunity since I had enjoyed doing similar tasks and learning about horticulture. I then started my Level 2 apprenticeship with Natures Way which lasted two years. I was delighted to be employed full time once I'd completed my apprenticeship.

What did you like about your apprenticeship?

The thing that I enjoyed the most was that I was allowed to learn hands on. The ability to work alongside and learn from experts with that kind of wealth of knowledge was irreplaceable. It really did help me get to where I am today.

 

"I am always proud of what I've achieved and know without attending PM Training and getting my apprenticeship I wouldn't be in the position I am today."

What would you say to school leavers who are unsure of what to do after school?

Don't limit yourself and explore every option. PM Training offer lots of brilliant opportunities that you can try, then once you have found something you have a passion for you can begin to learn more with an apprenticeship. Being an apprentice can help you develop life skills, make new friends and give your career a real kick-start.

 

What are your next steps?

I'd like to study at university to develop my skills and push my career forwards. Over the last 3 years my work has moved away from Gardening and into Sports turf. I am currently studying my second Level 3 qualification in Sports Turf Science with Nottingham Forest and don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

With the skills I have and the experience I have gained, I am now looking towards a Deputy or Head Groundsman role. 

I am always proud of what I've achieved and know without attending PM Training and getting my apprenticeship I wouldn't be in the position I am today.

Take a look at Bradley when he was just starting his apprenticeship with Natures Way.