Building futures through partnership and opportunity

Breaking into franchise ownership has traditionally required significant upfront capital, putting opportunity out of reach for many capable and motivated individuals. Complete Weed Control’s Business Access Scheme is changing that.

Designed to remove financial barriers whilst retaining the benefits of a proven model, the scheme allows individuals to join the business as salaried team members, manage their own territory with full head office support and work towards running their own franchise when the time is right. It is a structured, supported pathway into business ownership that rewards ambition, commitment and drive.

For Lucas Walton, who is currently on the scheme, it provides a long-term career route in a growing national network, with the opportunity to build something of his own. Lucas’s story is a powerful example of how collaboration across organisations can create meaningful opportunities for young people entering the amenity sector.

After completing his A-levels, Lucas initially pursued a degree in Outdoor Education at the University of Cumbria. However, he soon realised that a more practical, hands-on route would suit him better. That realisation led him to attend an opening evening at Craven College to explore apprenticeship options, which is where he became aware of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) rural apprenticeship scheme.

Delivered in partnership with Craven College and supported by employers like Swinton Estate, the programme combines technical training, work-based learning and financial support, giving young people the tools, confidence and experience they need to succeed.

Lucas completed his apprenticeship at Swinton Estate, where he gained experience across forestry, groundskeeping and gamekeeping. This broad exposure allowed him to develop a diverse skillset whilst working as part of a professional team.

Reflecting on his time, Lucas described the experience as transformative: “I learned many new technical skills but also important life skills. It sculpted me into a young adult and gave me the independence and confidence to move forward.”

The strength of the YDMT apprenticeship scheme lies in its structure, collaboration and direct financial support for employers, plus a strong emphasis on pastoral support to ensure apprentices develop and thrive throughout their placement. Craven College provided the technical training, Swinton Estate delivered hands-on experience and YDMT supported Lucas with funding to obtain his industry tickets and purchase PPE.

Sally Whitaker-Boucher, deputy head of apprenticeships at Craven College, said: “Lucas was always proactive and made the most of every opportunity. The combination of college learning and hands-on experience gives apprentices a rich skillset and makes them highly employable. They leave with industry knowledge, practical ability and the confidence to progress.”

At Swinton Estate, Lucas was given the opportunity to work across multiple departments, helping him build a well-rounded understanding of the sector. Jack Depledge, rural estate manager at Swinton Estate, said: “The scheme gives apprentices a diverse and dynamic experience. Lucas worked across different departments and developed a wide range of skills. The funding from the Trust is key to the success, it allows apprentices to gain the qualifications and experience they need without compromise.

“We were very lucky to have Lucas and would have loved him to stay, but the opportunity he has now is brilliant and shows exactly what the scheme can achieve.”

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust youth development officer Lucy Hammond said: “There are almost 1 million young people struggling to get a foot on the career ladder or find a suitable training course. Entry level jobs are so competitive and apprenticeships are essential to support young people into training and jobs.

“Our apprenticeship programme runs for 18 months, meaning we typically have between 12 and 20 apprentices training with us at any one time. Through on the job training with our employer partners, the apprentices develop a broad range of outdoor skills.

“More than 85 per cent of the apprentices we have trained over the last 15 years have gone on to jobs or further education and it’s wonderful to see Lucas building on the foundations established during his apprenticeship.”

Armed with practical experience, technical training and a strong work ethic, Lucas was in an ideal position to take the next step in his career. That came in the form of Complete Weed Control’s Business Access Scheme.

Ian Graham, managing director of Complete Weed Control, said: “We want to bring the right people into the business, people with the desire and drive to grow their operation. One of the biggest barriers to business ownership is affordability and this scheme removes that.

“Lucas came to us with exactly the kind of background we look for. The hands-on experience and technical training he gained through his apprenticeship meant he was work-ready from day one, with a strong understanding of the sector and the standards required.”

Lucas himself was drawn to the opportunity to combine his passion for the outdoors with a long-term career path saying: “I’m a very driven individual and want to build a successful career doing something I enjoy. Complete Weed Control allows me to stay connected to the land whilst working towards running my own business.

“The Business Access Scheme is a brilliant opportunity. I’m earning whilst I learn, growing a business and working towards owning my own franchise without needing the capital to start from scratch.”

For Lucas, the scheme represents the continuation of a journey that began with hands-on training and has now evolved into business ownership potential. The Business Access Scheme has given him a realistic and supported route to achieve his goals.

It also demonstrates the power of joined-up thinking across the sector. From education providers and charities to employers and national businesses, each stage of Lucas’s journey has played a role in preparing him for success.

Today, as Lucas builds his territory in the East Midlands, he continues to learn from experienced franchisees across the network further strengthening the foundation laid during his apprenticeship.

Through collaboration, organisations like Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Craven College, Swinton Estate and Complete Weed Control are creating a clear pathway for young people. From initial training and funding support to real-world experience and ultimately business ownership, this joined-up approach is helping to develop the next generation of skilled professionals in the sector.