SIX young people are getting a great start to their professional lives as the latest group of modern apprentices to join Fife Council.

And one of them is Cowdenbeath's Daniel Bremner.

The group will join the Parks, Streets & Open Spaces team working towards an SVQ Level 2 in Horticultural Gardening whilst gaining valuable work experience. The apprentices, who have just completed their first 2-week training block at Scotland’s Rural College, will work alongside experienced staff to gain skills in all aspects of horticulture and grounds maintenance.

Damien Woods, Parks, Streets & Open Spaces Service Manager, said: “Having joined forces with Skills Development Scotland, it’s fantastic that we can offer this opportunity to the young people of Fife.

“The apprentices will be an asset to our workforce and I’m looking forward to seeing them grow and develop their skills and confidence over the next 2 years.”

Cllr. Altany Craik, Executive spokesperson for Finance and Corporate Services, was on hand to welcome the new apprentices to the Council. He said: “Investing in our young people is an investment in the Fife we want to see in the future. Training and development is at the heart of our long term strategy for Fife and the investment in apprenticeships is a key strand of this. I wish them all the best in their time with us.”

The Parks, Streets & Open Spaces team is using the very successful modern apprentice model which has been running in Fife Council’s Building Services team for a number of years. The support given to the apprentices ensures they gain essential, transferable skills which will enhance their future employability prospects.

The staff in the photo from left to right on the back row are, Richard Brown (Area Officer – Levenmouth), Callum Innes (Modern Apprentice – Dunfermline),

Damien Woods (Service Manager – Parks, Streets & Open Spaces), Cllr Altany Craik,

Jim Stenhouse (Area Officer – South West Fife), Sean McEneany (Modern Apprentice – Levenmouth),

Elaine Downie (Operational Development Co-ordinator, Parks, Streets & Open Spaces). From left to right on the front row are: James Atherton (Modern Apprentice – South West Fife), Daniel Bremner (Modern Apprentice – Cowdenbeath), Russell Melville (Modern Apprentice – North East Fife), Fraser Nicol (Modern Apprentice – Kirkcaldy).