Upskilling Our Workforce For The Future
Leah started working at Groundwork in 2019 as an Apprentice on the Green Team Programme. We’ve been delivering the programme in partnership with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing since 2009, providing people new to the natural environment sector with employment, training and work experience on greenspaces across Greater Manchester.
After years of hard work, Leah was appointed Supervisor and became a leader for new people starting their careers in the Green Team. This year, she was successfully appointed as Urban Nature Contract Specialist where she will continue to be involved with the delivery of our physical projects, working alongside our land and community teams to deliver urban nature projects and organise corporate volunteer days at our nature sites.
In this blog, we find out more about her journey from starting as an Apprentice.
Starting A New Career
I’ve always loved nature, but I had no experience in gardening or landscaping before I started. I’d only worked in shops and kitchens, so it was a big change for me when applying for this role.
During my apprenticeship I completed a Level 2 in Landscaping And Horticulture, which involved getting my CSCS card. Since then, I’ve upgraded that to a SSSTS. Over the years I’ve learned how to use and maintain power tools, operate plant machinery, and more recently I got my chainsaw license.
Gaining New Skills & Experiences
I spent 6 months working with the Environment Agency helping to prevent floods in the River Mersey catchment in Warrington by clearing blockages caused by fly tipping, fallen trees and overgrown vegetation. Up until this point I had just been working in urban greenspaces so working in and around rivers was new to me and it was interesting to learn new skills, learn more about freshwater habitats and complete a Water Safety qualification.
Working In A Male Dominated Industry
Fortunately, I don’t feel like I’ve faced any barriers as a female working in a male-dominated field. I’ve felt comfortable enough to stay at Groundwork. I feel it’s a very inclusive workplace that has allowed me to grow into my career.
If I could give any advice to any women wanting to get into this kind of work, or any work that is in a male-dominated field, it would be – If you want to try it, do it. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you. Don’t be afraid to look silly while you learn because everyone has to start somewhere. Accept that you’ll get dirty and always show willingness to learn. Some days will be hard graft, but they’re the best when you get home at night and you feel you’ve put a good days work in. Remember that a good member of any team is one who wouldn’t ask someone to do something they wouldn’t do themselves.
The Importance of Urban Greenspaces
I feel like being in and around nature really helps my mental health. I’ve always been a bit of a wild child, and there’s something about doing good things for this planet we all share that really means a lot to me. I appreciate growing things and protecting land for flora and fauna.
In a previous job, I worked in a town centre, and the job itself was really busy and demanding. On my breaks I used to go to the nearby church to sit in the greenspace they had, just to de-stress myself by looking at the trees blowing in the wind. Every person can find peace in nature and that’s why I think it’s important to create or re-vitalise greenspace in urban places.
I think it’s really important to have these pockets of greenspace, so everyone has the opportunity to retreat to somewhere safe and green when the hussle and bussle of life is too much.
Working with Nature
In my role I will always try to use sustainable materials, recycle where I can and use methods that work with nature. Doing a bit of research is vital. I think making people aware and showing them the beauty in this world can help with the bigger picture. If one person can do one thing differently a day that helps the environment, think of the change that could lead to! If it’s up to us to lead the way and share what we learn then so be it. I’m in!