The bootcamp, which includes a guaranteed interview at the end of the course, is for residents looking for a career in landscaping, trees and grounds maintenance.
Published: Tuesday, 24th June 2025
This September, Hounslow Council will launch its fourth Green Skills Bootcamp, funded by the Mayor of London, for residents looking for work in the green sector. The 14-week programme, which is worth over £7,000, will include training on how to use industry tools such as woodchippers and chainsaws – along with on-the-ground placements with partner employers such as Lampton 360, Hounslow Highways and Maydencroft Limited.
Hounslow residents who are over the age of 19 and currently not working, can apply online for the programme.
Julian Lavender, who took part in the course and now works for Lampton 360 as a Grounds Maintenance Operative, explained the benefits of the course:
Before the Green Skills Bootcamp, I was struggling to find proper work in something I actually cared about. The course gave me real hands-on experience, like tree work, using tools, and working with the team in the parks. It helped me build confidence and understand what the job’s really about.
I got a placement through it, then an interview, and now I’m working as a Grounds Maintenance Operative with Greenspace. It’s the best thing I’ve done – if you enjoy being outdoors and want a proper career, I’d say go for it.
Along with a guaranteed interview at the end of the course, budding landscapers and tree surgeons will receive 1-1 mentoring on future job opportunities. Transport expenses are covered during the course and residents must be available Monday – Friday 7am-3pm.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Lead Member for Environment, Climate Change and Transport at the London Borough of Hounslow, highlighted how the Skills Bootcamp offers a way into different career paths:
If you’re not keen on a desk job, this is the perfect opportunity to discover a career outdoors with the potential to work in one of our many iconic parks and help meet Hounslow’s nature recovery and environmental goals.
The on-site work placements with local employers mean you gain invaluable knowledge and skills – along with understanding first-hand what your future job may look like!
Anyone interested in finding out more, or wondering if the Skills Bootcamp is for them, can speak directly to employers and training providers at one of two online Q&A sessions:
To sign up, residents can register their interest here: Vacancy - Hounslow Portal.
