A GROUP of budding young gardeners are sowing the seeds to a brighter future after kick-starting a horticulture apprenticeship programme at Pershore College with Sanctuary Maintenance.

Fourteen new apprentices will be getting their hands dirty in a range of projects to develop their knowledge and skills in a range of projects.

The specialist course by Sanctuary Maintenance, part of the Sanctuary Group, is to be delivered in partnership with Pershore College and will include training in the key components of Horticulture in the context of parks, gardens and green spaces and will lead to a formal qualification in Horticulture at NVQ Level 2.

Ahead of their apprenticeships, the group, who will be working in different regions around the UK, met in Pershore with representatives from both Sanctuary and the college to hear about what they will be doing over the 20-month programme.

Helen Dickson, employer engagement manager for horticulture at Pershore College, said: "We’re delighted to welcome Sanctuary’s horticulture apprentices from across England to Pershore College for their training block.

"As the third group of students from Sanctuary, it is clear that the partnership is proving very successful for developing well-trained, high quality, motivated and skilled young workers who will help support the future of the industry."

For more information on the apprenticeship opportunities available at Sanctuary visit sanctuary-apprenticeships.co.uk.