Meet recently graduated apprentice Alex Burton

Alex Burton joined Glendale in February 2014 as an apprentice arborist.  He was attracted to the idea of working outdoors and applied for the position after working as a grounds maintenance operative for one of Glendale’s competitors.

One of the advantages of Glendale’s Apprenticeship Scheme for Alex has been that it has allowed him to work and learn at the same time, putting new skills into practice on a daily basis.

Alex comments: “Working for Glendale has improved my communication and teamwork skills, enabling me to work alone and to use my own initiative.”

His most rewarding experience is the planting of forty mature hornbeams on Ocean Road in South Shields alongside Glendale’s tree supply, plant and relocation team, Civic Trees.  As Alex lives in the local area the project acts as a constant reminder of his achievement.

Alex completed his apprenticeship with Glendale in 2015 and achieved a distinction in his NVQ Level 2 in Trees and Timber.  He is currently working towards gaining his CS39 Use of Chainsaw from Rope and Harness and is looking forward to progressing his training.  He aspires to become a fully qualified arborist in the future.