Green Synergy has been hosting a New to Nature apprenticeship role since July 2023 as the charity wanted to support more young people into green jobs.
New to Nature is an exciting programme of paid work placements in nature-focused roles. Our Garden and Horticulture Assistant role is one of 70 roles that has been created across the UK to encourage new and diverse talent into the Natural Environment sector. The programme is managed by Groundwork UK and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The programme aims to support young people on (aged 18-25) who are from ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are living with a disability or are from low-income households.
Rebecca joined Green Synergy as our New to Nature apprentice in July 2023 and she shares her story.
When Rebecca applied to New to Nature, it was the empathy of employees at Green Synergy that stood out; the compassion for the daily volunteers in the garden was also extended towards applicants. Even in the initial interview for the role, Rebecca’s needs were met with kindness and patience. She was able to see the questions that would be asked before the interview took place, and this reasonable adjustment for planning gave her reassurance.
During her placement, Rebecca has regular conversations with team members about different methods of workplace support, from coping strategies to manage overwhelm, to recommending a quiet space outside for mindfulness. This support has helped Rebecca grow as a person – she has found vulnerability and self-expression in her team’s understanding, whilst acquiring new skills and qualities of communication, teamwork, confidence, and resilience.
After further training in horticulture, Rebecca intends to apply her learning to ensure unlimited access to nature and support for people with similar workplace needs to herself. She has hopes of using her voice to advocate for neurodivergent people, inspiring them to gain green sector employment, and continue making a difference to others.
Rebecca’s placement has highlighted the importance of more representative voices in the green sector. The supportive working environment at her New to Nature placement has made Rebecca feel accepted, included, and valued for who she is.
Rebecca shared with Groundwork UK:
“To be supported is the best – it is what it should be, and no one should have to go through discrimination or bullying because of who they are.
“I understand what it feels like to be different and to feel like I can’t communicate well. But there’s always a way to communicate with people. You just have to think of a different way of going about it. Not everyone is going to think the same as you or be the same as you. So, it’s all about adapting things for people.
“I personally have learnt a lot about myself and I feel like I’m becoming a better person because of being in this job.”
To read more about Rebecca’s journey, please visit: Rebecca: Garden And Horticulture Assistant at Green Synergy – Groundwork
