Oldham College apprentices help breathe new life into Royal Oldham Hospital garden 

Our horticulture apprentices have helped transform a garden at The Royal Oldham Hospital, creating a welcoming outdoor space for patients, staff and visitors. 

Dan Greenwood, Jacob West, Cameron Marsden and Caine Byrom joined their tutors to help plant areas of the hospital’s Fountain Garden as part of a project involving the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and NorthCare Charity. 

The garden reopened in October following the revamp, providing a peaceful place where people can enjoy nature and take a break from the busy hospital environment. 

The group included apprentices studying our Level 2 Horticulture/Landscape Operative (Standard) programme, with the planting work giving them the chance to use their skills on a project that will benefit the local community. 

Dan Greenwood said: “It’s a good way to put the skills I am acquiring from my apprenticeship to good use and to pressure test them in real life scenarios.

“This is doubly satisfying as the work I and others have undertaken will go on to improve the grounds of the hospital and hopefully improve the mood and mental wellbeing of staff, visitors and patients alike.”

Jacob West said seeing the results of his work had been particularly rewarding. 

“It has been really reassuring to see that the skills that I have learnt come in useful and are applicable to my work.”

Cameron Marsden said: “Hospitals can be busy and stressful environments, so having a garden where patients, staff and the local community can relax, enjoy nature and take a moment for themselves is really important. I’m proud to have played a part in creating a space that people can benefit from for years to come.” 

Nick Atkinson, our Tutor Assessor in Horticulture, said: “Our apprentices weren’t just observing. They were involved in the planting work and had to apply the skills they’ve been developing through their training. 

“It’s encouraging to see them working to the standard expected on a project like this, particularly one that will be used and enjoyed by so many people.” 

The quality of their work was also recognised by Claire Drury, Senior Community Gardening Advisor at the RHS. 

She said: “The horticulture apprentices and tutors have been absolutely wonderful helping out today at the Fountain Garden at Royal Oldham Hospital. 

“The students have set out and planted several areas to a professional standard, making a significant difference to this special project. We look forward to working together again in the future.” 

Our horticulture apprenticeships combine training at Oldham College with experience in the workplace, helping apprentices develop the skills and knowledge needed for careers in the industry. 

Interested in an apprenticeship? Explore our apprenticeship opportunities and find your next step.