NAW2025 – Employer Tuesday
Training the Next Generation: Insights from Graeme and Rob on Greenfields Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience, develop industry skills, and build a solid foundation for a career in countryside management. At Greenfields, we’re proud to support apprentices on this journey, but success wouldn’t be possible without the guidance of experienced mentors.
In this blog post, we speak to Graeme from SMB College, who leads the Countryside Worker apprenticeship programme, about the benefits of apprenticeships and his experience working with Greenfields. We also hear from Rob, our Senior Site Supervisor, who plays a key role in supporting apprentices on-site, ensuring they gain skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to thrive.
Read on to hear their insights and learn more about the impact of apprenticeships at Greenfields!
Graeme Turner
Can you introduce yourself and let me know a little about your background?
My name is Graeme. I oversee the land-based apprenticeships at SMB college and run the Countryside Worker apprenticeships. I have been in the countryside management sector for over 20 years working through a range of roles from estate worker to countryside ranger. I moved into apprenticeships 5 years ago as a new direction, wanting to help guide the next generation of countryside workers.
What are the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship, rather than full time education?
A modern apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn and earn directly from the industry. An apprentice gathers practical experience and professional behaviours. This is achieved through a wide range of ways to gather evidence for your portfolio. This means that upon completing the apprenticeship, you are ready for full time work and have a portfolio that you can use to sell yourself to future employers.
What is your experience of working alongside Greenfields and their apprentices?
I first started working with Greenfields and their apprentices in early 2023. They have been a great company to work with and have a great support network for any apprentice they take on. Whenever I visit the office or out on site, I have always been made to feel welcome. The feedback I get on the apprentices (from the site managers) is always highly praising of them and when they come into college, I get high praise back about working for Greenfields.
Do you have any advice for young people wanting to embark on an apprenticeship?
The main piece of advice I would give to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship would be coping with the big step of becoming an adult. Although it is a great way to learn and earn, you will also be taking on the responsibility of working
Rob Rushton
What is your role in supporting our apprentices?
As Senior Site Supervisor apprentices will initially be sent out to sites under my supervision. It is my job to ensure they understand, not only Greenfields safety standards, but also site safety.
I help guide them through the working side of their apprenticeship and make sure that they gain enough knowledge and evidence to pass each endpoint assessment.
For me it’s really satisfying to know that I’m not only passing on my knowledge of the industry but also helping them to build confidence in their own abilities for the future. It’s about helping them develop not only in their job but also as young people.
Can you tell me a little bit about our current apprentices?
From the get-go Will showed really good enthusiasm and work ethic and has continued to develop his skills to a high standard. He has a bright future ahead of him and has really benefitted from the apprenticeship with its balance between paid work and college.
Working most often with the fencing team has meant that Charlie has had to balance both the fencing and maintenance side of the company but he has adapted really well to both. he has shown good enthusiasm and that he is a team player, helping to complete some quite demanding jobs and understanding the high standard expected.
Last but not least, Cam joined the company with limited experience of our nature of work but he has hit the ground running and is developing his skills really well. He also contributes to the high standard of work demanded of him and has adjusted to different tasks really well.
What positive effect do apprentices have on Greenfields as a company?
It is a massive positive effect as long as the individuals are willing to work hard and commit to learning new skills in a demanding environment.
All of our current apprentices are valued members of the Greenfields team and are a pleasure to work alongside.
