A LANDSCAPE gardening firm has become the first company in Hertfordshire to offer a new work experience scheme for young people.

John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance, based in Great North Road, Welwyn, has signed up to the Government’s Work Experience programme in partnership with Jobcentre Plus.

The scheme matches 18 to 21-year-olds across the country with suitable eight-week job placements.

John O’Conner’s first five placements started last month, in St Albans.

Paul Brady, contract manager for John O’Conner, said he hoped the placements could lead to full time jobs.

“I was only too happy to get involved, the first placements started in March and will be supported by existing teams of permanent employees,” he said.

“To help them adjust to the workplace we will ensure that they all have a mentor or buddy from day one. We hope these work experience placements could be a way of unlocking a pool of hidden talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

For more information, call St Albans Jobcentre Plus on 01727 773316.