ONE of the fastest-growing companies in Essex has taken a leading role in the development of the new Trailblazer apprenticeship scheme, a nationwide Government-run initiative for the horticulture and landscape industries.

Ground Control, based in Billericay, has landscaping contracts with councils and supermarkets across Essex and the UK, including in Southend, Colchester, Epping and Chelmsford.

Neil Huck, Ground Control’s national training manager, is chairman of the Trailblazer sub-group covering horticulture and landscape.

He has been working in partnership with the British Association of Landscape Industries to further develop the standards of the scheme.

Mr Huck said: “Being able to develop apprenticeship schemes as an employer really gives us input in the development of the younger generation and the future of the horticulture and landscape industries.

“We are in a position to offer a great opportunity for young people to learn and grow as part a business, with changes that are set to benefit the future of the industry. We are also pleased to be taking a significant role in the industry survey that is set to run from until May 26, gathering input and standards from Ground Control’s local managers across the UK.”

Setting out to increase the quality of apprenticeships, the Trailblazer scheme requires apprentices to demonstrate their competence through assessment schemes, put in place by employers. Mr Huck said: “This method will ensure apprenticeships as a whole are more responsive to the requirements of employers and the skill sets needed by the industry.”

Ground Control has already employed a number of apprentices over the past eight years, with many currently in place undertaking NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture and Landscaping at various sites across the UK.

The new Trailblazer scheme is set to launch in 2017.