Homebase is to cultivate its own generation of gardeners through its new Garden Academy apprenticeship scheme.
Up to 20 apprentices, aged 16 and above, will be a part of the scheme that has been put together by the DIY and garden retailer and award-winning garden designer Adam Frost. It is aimed to raise the profile of a career in gardening and inspire gardening talent of the future.

Each month, apprentices will build on their experience of gardening and horticulture and they will learn about garden planning and design from Mr Frost. They will also learn practical horticultural skills to earn a Royal Horticultural Society Level 1 Award.

This will be combined with time spent helping at their local Homebase stores to learn about the retail side of the industry. They will have the chance to develop a detailed knowledge of plants and products and will help customers make the best choices for their gardens.

Homebase has launched this apprenticeship scheme as part of its plan to become the leading garden centre in the country. The apprentices who complete the scheme to a certain level will be given a job in their local store and, as a result, the retailer will end up with freshly-trained staff that can drive the business forward.

Explaining the thinking behind the Garden Academy, Mr Frost said: "I am increasingly worried that our next generation of young people are not connecting with what's outside their back door.

"This is not only a social issue, but increasingly a challenge for our industry as young people are not excited by careers in gardening. I was really inspired by Homebase's store colleagues who helped me build The Homebase Garden at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and realised that by working together, we have the opportunity to do something special and inspire these apprentices through a variety of experiences to go on and do great things."