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A student from Duchy College Rosewarne is getting a step closer to his dream career after being accepted on to an apprenticeship as a groundsman at Cornwall College.
Matt Head, 18, from Redruth, has studied at Duchy College for the last few years progressing from the level 1 land-based studies course to a level 2 horticulture diploma and now on to his apprenticeship.
Matt said: “I’m so pleased to have got this apprenticeship, working up the levels has helped me to get ahead, the level 1 course gave me a good foundation and now I feel I’m getting to where I want to be. I’m really enjoying the apprenticeship, I’m learning lots and the combination of working and attending college really works for me.”
Matt works full-time helping to maintain the grounds at Cornwall College Camborne and attends the Rosewarne campus every Friday where he learns new skills and works on his portfolio.
“I feel my skills are really improving as I can take what I’ve learnt at college and apply them in the workplace. I’m getting more confident and asking less questions at work which means I can work on my own a bit which is great. I really love this kind of practical work and being outside, hopefully this apprenticeship will be a great start to my career.”
As well as carrying out weeding, planting, pruning and general groundwork tasks, Matt is also learning how to use and maintain machinery such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers and hedge cutters.
Andrew Counsell, Head of Duchy College, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Matt and just shows that with determination and hard work students can progress on to their chosen career. Matt is a great role model for our students and we wish him all the luck with his apprenticeship.”
To find out more about the horticulture courses available at Duchy College Rosewarne, please call 0845 605 0455 or visit the website www.duchy.ac.uk.
