A second career is proving a great success for Stuart Scott, a member of Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s estates team, who has completed his Level 2 Horticulture Operative apprenticeship with a distinction and has now been appointed as a permanent team member.
This cements a major career change for Stuart, 52, from Chester-Le-Street, after working for many years in factory and retail roles.
After being made redundant from a factory job, in 2023 Stuart applied for a gardener vacancy at Middleton Hall Retirement Village.
“I get a big kick from growing things – it’s very satisfying – so I had decided that I wanted to do something that fulfilled me,” he said. “I’d asked the Job Centre for some training and was also volunteering for the National Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust where I enjoyed meeting like-minded people.”
Although he did not have formal horticulture qualifications, he impressed during his interview and was offered the opportunity to retrain through a horticultural apprenticeship.
Bryan Moore, Estates Manager, said “This is a huge achievement for Stuart. Taking on an apprenticeship later in life is a big commitment and he has shown exceptional dedication.
“He hasn’t been late once in the last two years, despite travelling a considerable distance every day to start work at 8am. His attitude and keenness to become a gardener have been truly inspirational. We are incredibly proud of what he has achieved.”
For the past two years, Stuart has combined day-release study at East Durham College with hands-on experience across Middleton Hall’s 45-acre estate.
To prepare for his assessments Stuart asked questions drawing on the experience of those in his team. This included learning the Latin and common names of several plants around the estate, helping him build the confidence he needed to succeed.
He added: “I started with no technical knowledge, but with the support here I felt confident after six months. I now can’t believe I’m actually doing this.”
Stuart now helps the six-strong Estates team maintain and develop the grounds and gardens.
This year, the team is working closely with the Head Chef to increase on-site food growing for the Orangery Bistro and care service dining rooms. They have also begun preparations for the National Garden Scheme Open Day on Saturday 18 July, when the public can enjoy the rare opportunity to visit the estate.
Richard Attwood, Finance Director, added: “At Middleton Hall we are always keen to recruit people who are willing to learn and are hard working.
“Stuart has proved to be a shining example of this. He has taken the brave decision to make a career change and it is very pleasing to see it pay off having passed his apprenticeship with a distinction. Stuart is a real asset to Middleton Hall and we are all very proud of him.”