Bristol City Council looking for next Alan Titchmarsh

 A new trainee apprenticeship scheme will open in Bristol as part of a government drive to keep England green and pleasant.

 

The £1 million fund to recruit green fingered apprentices to maintain parks and green spaces will be announced today by Housing Minister Margaret Beckett.

 

 Local councils will be looking for people of all ages to apply for a traineeship scheme, and Bristol has been allocated one post.

 

Celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh started his career on one such scheme in Yorkshire.

 

In support of the scheme, Alan Titchmarsh MBE said: “The practical skills provided by apprenticeships are every bit as important as university degrees, especially those involved with the landscape and environment. As a former apprentice myself, I value apprenticeships tremendously and am relieved and delighted that this initiative is underway.”

 

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett will said: “These new apprentices will be green ambassadors in their communities, taking responsibility for our parks and open spaces and making sure they are of the highest quality for everyone to enjoy.

 

“Green spaces and green infrastructure should not be an added luxury. If we really are to tackle climate change, protect both our environment and our health, green spaces need to be at the heart of our communities.

 

“We will work closely with planners, developers and experts in the green sector to ensure we have the skills and resources we need to make this happen.”