A former student of Tenbury High Ormiston Academy in Tenbury Wells has begun a two-year apprenticeship with local nursery Frank P Matthews Trees.
Matt Guest has joined the nursery’s Production Team, where he will work towards a Crop Technician Level 3 qualification while gaining hands-on experience across its production operations. The apprenticeship is delivered 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 valuable workplace experience and developing skills in customer service and communication before beginning his apprenticeship with Frank P Matthews Trees.
This exciting new chapter for Matt reflects Tenbury High Ormiston Academy’s commitment to providing access and a range of opportunities to their students, as well as equipping them with the skills they need to take their next steps.
The school holds the Gold Quality in Careers Standard, a national award recognising strong careers programmes. Its careers support includes partnerships with local businesses through the Worcestershire Enterprise Adviser Network, an annual careers fair and work experience for Year 10 students. Every student has a one-to-one careers interview before the end of Year 11, and the academy works with Worcestershire Apprenticeships so students understand apprenticeship routes alongside college options.
We encourage every student to grasp the opportunities in front of them, and Matt has done just that.
Vicki Dean, Principal at Tenbury High Ormiston Academy
The apprenticeship teaches the practical and technical skills needed to grow, monitor and manage crops in a commercial horticultural setting. Apprentices learn about plant health, irrigation, pest and disease control, crop production and machinery operation, combining formal training with experience in the workplace.
Based in Tenbury Wells, Frank P Matthews Trees is one of the UK’s leading nurseries for ornamental and fruit trees. Founded in 1901 and now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the business has offered apprenticeships since autumn 2016, alongside in-house training and a progression path for all new starters. Former apprentice Calum Evans has since progressed through the business and is now a Trainee Team Leader in the Production Team.
Vicki Dean, Principal at Tenbury High Ormiston Academy, 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. We are grateful to work with organisations in our community like Frank P Matthews, which helps us make sure our students have real career pathways available to them close to home.”
Matt Guest, apprentice at Frank P Matthews Trees, said:
“Starting my apprenticeship at Frank P Matthews has been a great experience so far. 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.”
Lorna Maskell, Production Director at Frank P Matthews Trees, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Matt to the team. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to introduce new talent to the industry and help young people gain practical skills and experience. Horticulture isn’t always an easy career choice. It involves hard work, working in all weathers and a real commitment to the job, but it can be incredibly rewarding. We’re proud to support local people like Matt as they begin their journey in the profession.”