PEOPLE looking to further a career or their experience in horticulture may be given the opportunity to do so with Camelford Town Council.

At the town’s full council meeting on Thursday, July 6, councillors were told that the possibility of having a horticulture apprentice to work in the town would be beneficial to the community.

Esther Greig, town clerk, told councillors that they would be looking for a horticultural apprentice, aged, ideally, between 16 and 18 years old, to carry out work around the town and for the council.

She explained that the apprenticeship would receive European funding with a £1,000 grant, adding: “It looks like a bit of a no brainer, really.”

The apprentice would be working towards a horticulture Level 2 degree, which would be able to be terminated at any time within the 18 months of its duration, as with any apprenticeship.

Cllr Rob Rotchell, mayor of Camelford, said: “At the end of it, we would end up with someone who’s got chainsaws, first aid, tools — and with very little cost to us.

“It would cost a lot less to have an apprentice than to pay individually for someone to go on these courses.”

The starting age for potential apprentices is 16, but there is no limit after that. Although this proposal is ‘an idea at the moment’, Ms Greig will be receiving further information from Cornwall College in order to put a proposal to council for the discussion and final resolution.