A Milestone for Our Apprenticeship Programme
We’re proud to share an important milestone for YGS Landscapes and our ongoing City College Plymouth apprenticeships partnership. Our first apprentice has officially completed his training.
Congratulations to Scott, who has passed his LANTRA Level 2 Horticulture/Landscape Construction Operative Apprenticeship through City College Plymouth. He is also the first apprentice at the college to complete this qualification. As a result, this is a major achievement for Scott and a proud milestone for YGS.
Why Our City College Plymouth Apprenticeships Matter
Launching our apprenticeship scheme was an important investment in the future – a way to grow new talent, share our expertise and give young people a practical pathway into the landscaping industry.
Seeing Scott successfully complete his apprenticeship demonstrates that investment paying off. It proves that structured training, mentoring and real-world experience can shape confident, capable professionals who are ready to deliver high-quality work across Devon and the South West.
Real-World Experience: The Sherford EPA
Scott’s End Point Assessment (EPA) was carried out on a live site at Sherford, with the generous support of the Sherford Consortium.
Because of this, he had the chance to demonstrate his skills under real conditions. He dealt with time pressures, teamwork, and health and safety in a genuine environment. In addition this kind of hands-on experience is extremely valuable.
We’re extremely grateful to the Sherford Consortium for supporting this milestone and helping to give apprentices a more meaningful route into industry.
About the LANTRA Level 2 Apprenticeship
The LANTRA Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative standard is designed to develop the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to thrive in the industry.
Delivered over 24 months, the course combines 80% on-the-job training with 20% off-the-job learning at City College Plymouth. During this time, apprentices gain skills in:
- Safe machinery and equipment use
- Plant and soil science
- Environmental conservation and biodiversity
- Landscape construction and maintenance
- Health, safety and teamwork
LANTRA’s nationally recognised assessment ensures apprentices are industry-ready, meeting the standards expected by employers across the UK.
Learn more:
City College Plymouth – Horticulture/Landscape Construction Operative Apprenticeship
LANTRA – Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Standard (Level 2)
Why We Partner with City College Plymouth
City College Plymouth has been delivering apprenticeships for over 60 years, working closely with regional employers to provide relevant, industry-driven training.
Their apprenticeship programmes are designed to give learners real work experience while earning, alongside access to modern facilities and specialist tutors. For this reason partnering with a respected local college helps ensure our apprentices receive structured learning that complements the hands-on skills gained on site.
What’s Next for Scott
Scott now joins the YGS Landscapes team as a qualified Skilled Operative – bringing his experience, enthusiasm and growing expertise to live commercial projects across the South West.
Meanwhile his journey from apprentice to qualified professional reflects the core of what YGS Landscapes stands for: nurturing growth, encouraging excellence and creating long-term opportunities in the landscaping industry.
Looking Ahead: Apprenticeships Open Early 2026
We’re already planning the next stage of our Apprenticeship Programme.
Applications for our next intake will open early next year.
Enjoy horticulture and outdoor work? This could be your next step.
Follow YGS Landscapes on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram for updates on apprenticeship openings and training opportunities.
Scott’s achievement is more than personal. It marks a step forward for our business and for the wider industry.
By investing in apprenticeships, YGS Landscapes is building a stronger, more sustainable future for landscaping in Devon and beyond. We’re proud of Scott, proud of our partnership with City College Plymouth and LANTRA and proud to keep growing the next generation of skilled professionals.