From Placement to Permanent: Jordan’s Flourishing at Q&S
Some of you might recognise Jordan. A few months back we wrote about his two-week placement across some of our Q&S managed commercial gardens, as part of the Future Gardeners programme, run by Bankside Open Spaces Trust. He made such an impression that Q&S offered him a permanent role once the programme was finished.
Jordan’s been part of the Q&S gardening team for a few months now, so we caught up with him last week to see how life at Q&S full-time is going.
It turns out horticulture is Jordan’s second career. Originally from Algeria, he previously worked in kitchens here in the UK but was determined to take a different path. “I’ve always wanted to work in horticulture,” he told us. “I just never had the chance to do it before.”
Getting that chance has taken real determination and grit. When his previous employer couldn’t give him time off to attend the Future Gardeners programme, Jordan saved up every day of his annual leave to do it. He’s already graduated with a City & Guilds Level 1 in Horticulture. In English, his third language. Can you imagine starting a brand-new career and the qualifications that come with it, in your third language?
As a Q&S apprentice, Jordan will have the chance to work towards his City & Guilds Level 2 in Horticulture through our Train2Grow programme.
So, how’s the job going? “I’m really enjoying it,” Jordan says. “I’m learning something new every day, improving my skills, and I enjoy being part of the team. It’s a great opportunity to work in an area I’ve always been interested in.”
No two days are the same, which Jordan loves. His mornings start with a team chat – what needs doing, the plan for the day and getting tools and materials ready. Then it’s the job-list: watering, weeding, planting, pruning, propagating. “Every day is a bit different, which I like.”
But learning is the real draw. “I like learning from our Head Gardener and the management team. I pick something new up and then try it myself. I can see that I’m getting better and more confident.”
As for what’s next: “I want to keep learning, take on new challenges, and see where this opportunity takes me.”
Sounds like a pretty good plan, Jordan, we wish you all the best on your Q&S adventure.
