Leeds gardener becomes Apprentice of the Year after sowing the seeds of new career

After completing his apprenticeship with Leeds City Council’s parks and green spaces team, he is now working full time for the authority as craft gardener at locations like the historic Kirkstall Abbey.

Thirty-four-year-old Chris Cole started his horticulture apprenticeship in 2023 after a desire to change career paths and become a professional gardener.

Chris first discovered he enjoyed gardening when he took up the hobby during lockdown.

Working for Leeds City Council throughout his apprenticeship, Chris got to work on gardens, cemeteries and parks, always striving to make a difference. At one of the city's cemeteries he created new flowerbeds, providing a peaceful place for grieving families to visit.

Alongside his work for the council Chris studied for the Level 2 Horticulture Operative at Askham Bryan College, which he passed with distinction.

He said: “I am extremely proud of my achievement winning this award, through my apprenticeship I faced quite a number of challenges including the loss of loved ones, an accident with my thumb, planned surgery and the best one of all becoming a father to my daughter.

“Horticulture has given me a new outlook in life which I can now call a career. I am so glad I decided to take the plunge and start an apprenticeship at 31 years old and achieving a distinction at the end of it I thought was the icing on the cake until winning this award.

“In future I’d love to further gain more qualifications and continue to improve my skillset.  I am so proud to be one of the gardeners at Kirkstall Abbey and I implore anyone thinking of changing career at a later age to do it.”

Adele Jagger from Askham Bryan College, who put Chris forward for the award, said: “The enthusiasm and passion that Chris shows towards horticulture and his learning is second to none. He works very hard and wants to make a real change with the work that he does. We’re incredibly proud of his achievement.”

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “Our parks and green spaces bring so much joy to the city, and it’s great to see Chris being awarded for the amazing work he has done. We’re pleased to be keeping him on as a craft gardener.”

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources, said: "Congratulations to Chris for his amazing achievement. Apprenticeships are a vital way for people to further develop their skills and talents, as well as supporting the local economy and help fill the skills shortages we face in some sectors. We are very proud of all our apprentices and the valuable contribution they make to our council and our city."

In July 2024, Leeds City Council earned a place on The Department for Education’s top 100 apprenticeship employers list, published annually to showcase the most outstanding apprenticeship employers from across the UK. Only one other council made the top 100.

Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining practical skills on the job alongside fully funded study for an accredited qualification. Leeds City Council is a living wage employer, so apprentices of any age are paid at least the Living Wage Foundation minimum rate.

Read more about apprenticeships with the council at https://jobs.leeds.gov.uk/apprenticeships-council.

ENDS