Living Colour - FloristryHeather RyderA former Reaseheath student, Heather has run her own florist’s shop, Living Colour for ten years.Working in partnership with Reaseheath to train apprentices her current employee, Amy is due to complete her Level 2 Floristry Apprenticeship this June.Heather says, “An Apprenticeship is brilliant, I think there should be more of them. Amy is able to work and train at the same time, gaining lots of valuable experience”.“Reaseheath is extremely flexible. They know when our busy times are and are flexible in letting Amy come to the workplace. Amy’s assessor knows the industry and understands the economic climate”.Floristry is predominantly art based and the flexibility of the apprenticeship has enabled Heather to train Amy in Living Colours’ modern style.Once she has completed her apprenticeship Amy will have a permanent position at Living Colour.

Tatton Park - HorticultureSam YoudBeginning his own gardening career as an Apprentice, Sam now trains Tatton Park’s Horticulture Apprentices.

Sam believes that Apprenticeships are a great way of gaining practical on-the-job training. “All of Tatton’s apprenticeships are delivered entirely in the workplace, allowing apprentices to experience first hand the real world of gardening”.

In collaboration with Sam, Reaseheath have put together an apprenticeship programme to suit the needs of Tatton’s workforce. Tatton’s Adult Apprenticeships have been a huge success since starting in 2010. “There is no generation gap in gardening” says Sam. “It caters for all ages, young to the more mature”.

Tatton apprentice’s Bob Buckley and Simon Kellett both agree that they have learnt more in the workplace than they ever could have done at College. “It’s the practical application of the theory which makes you more employable” says Simon.

www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Workforce Development Manager, Chris Middleton pictured with Heather Ryder (right)

From left to right: Apprentice’s Simon Kellett and Bob Buckley pictured with Sam Youd

John Cliffe Building Services - ConstructionJohn CliffeJohn has been training apprentices with Reaseheath for over ten years and helped develop the Construction Apprenticeship programme at the college. Apprenticeships have helped John to expand his business and his commitment was recognised when he won last years Employer of the Year Awards for the Midlands region.He says “Apprenticeships play a key part in getting young people into employment. Every apprentice I have taken on has had a job waiting for them once they finish”.Gary Brisbourne, 27, started his training with John ten years ago. “I chose the apprenticeship route to gain more experience whilst still getting a qualification”.Gary along with Matt Tipton, 24 and Luke Claydon, 19 all studied at Reaseheath. “Working together has enabled us to learn from each other” says Matt.

Cheshire East Council A-Team - HorticultureBen WitterYoung people who may otherwise have found it difficult to find work have been offered horticultural apprenticeships as part of Cheshire East Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme, the A-Team.

“Thanks to Reaseheath’s expertise and flexible approach, we have been able to develop a training programme which has been instrumental in bringing young people back into the horticultural industry.” says Ben Witter, A-Team project leader.

“The training provided by Reaseheath gives our apprentices sound practical work experience which benefits both the apprentices and local residents”.

The A-Team ‘Apprentice of the Year, Dan said: “Getting an apprenticeship has given me a fantastic opportunity to get a job in horticulture and develop through work experience. The support network surrounding us has been fantastic and the training has given me a lot confidence because I know how to do the job properly”.

Reaseheath College trains seven horticultural apprentices, one agricultural apprentice and one business administration apprentice for Cheshire East’s A-Team.

www.reaseheath.ac.uk

From left to right: Luke Claydon, Matt Tipton, John Cliffe and Gary Brisbourne

From left to right: A-Team project leader Ben Witter with apprentice’s Kieran Whitehead, James Whitehead and Dan Band along with Reaseheath staff Chris Middleton and Dave Black