Green-fingered apprentices from Sandwell are celebrating after being rewarded for their achievements by their horticultural college.

Apprentices working towards their Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications with Sandwell Council were welcomed to South Staffordshire College’s new AgriSTEM Academy at the Rodbaston College in Penkridge to celebrate their progress.

They included Kayleigh Hartwell aged 20 from Tipton who was awarded the British Association of Landscape Industries' (BALI) Best Student 2017 award for her hard work, commitment and talent. She works with a gardening gang in the council's neighbourhoods team.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Simon Hackett said: “It’s great to see these young people working so hard to achieve their qualifications.

“An apprenticeship is a great step onto the career ladder and at the council we’re doing all we can to support people to gain qualifications and experience that can learn to a great career.”

The apprentices, who all work at the council's cemeteries or in grounds maintenance, were presented with certificates of achievement by the college’s chief executive principal Graham Morley. He congratulated them on their achievements and told them how he too began his career as an apprentice.

Graham said: “All of these apprentices should be extremely proud of themselves. What they do makes a real difference to the vibrancy and prosperity of Sandwell, the contribution each of them makes to their local area should not be underestimated.

“We’re delighted to have welcomed the learners here today and to have played a part in their success. We wish them all the very best for their future.”

South Staffordshire College’s Head of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement John Renshaw added “What a fantastic achievement for Kayleigh and indeed, for all of the apprentices who are here today to celebrate their hard work.

"I’d like to congratulate all of the learners again and thank all of the staff from both Sandwell Council and South Staffordshire College who have supported them during the course of their apprenticeships.

“We have worked in partnership with Sandwell Council for many years and are delighted that our relationship continues to go from strength to strength. It’s an absolute pleasure to work alongside such a fantastic group of people and play a part in shaping the future of their apprentices.”