Former student starts two-year tree nursery apprenticeship
Matt Guest has joined Frank P Matthews Trees in Tenbury Wells, where he will gain practical horticultural skills while working towards a Level 3 qualification
A former Tenbury High Ormiston Academy student has started a two-year apprenticeship with a tree nursery in Tenbury Wells.
Matt Guest has joined the production team at Frank P Matthews Trees, where he will work towards a Crop Technician Level 3 qualification in partnership with Pershore College.
Matt left Tenbury High Ormiston Academy in June 2026. Over the summer, he worked as a waiter at The Fountain Inn, gaining experience in customer service and communication before starting his apprenticeship.
The training will cover the practical and technical skills needed to grow and manage crops in a commercial horticultural setting, including plant health, irrigation, pest and disease control, crop production and machinery operation.
Vicki Dean, principal at Tenbury High Ormiston Academy, said Matt’s apprenticeship was an example of the opportunities available to students as they moved into working life.
She said: “We are very proud to see what our students go on to achieve after they leave Tenbury High, and Matt’s apprenticeship is a brilliant example of that.
“We encourage every student to grasp the opportunities in front of them, and Matt has done just that.”
Matt said he was enjoying the role and learning from experienced colleagues while working towards his qualification.
“Starting my apprenticeship at Frank P Matthews has been a great experience so far,” he said. “I’m getting to work across the nursery and learn from people who really know the industry, while working towards a qualification at the same time.”
Founded in 1901, Frank P Matthews Trees is a family-owned nursery specialising in ornamental and fruit trees. The business has offered apprenticeships since 2016.
Its former apprentice Calum Evans has progressed through the company and is now a trainee team leader in the production team.
Tenbury High Ormiston Academy supports students with careers interviews, work experience, an annual careers fair and links with local employers. The school holds the Gold Quality in Careers Standard, recognising its careers programme.