AN EAGER teenager is looking forward to a blossoming new career thanks to an innovative government scheme.

Green-fingered Sam Sanderson, 18, of Barton-Upon-Humber is embarking on a gardening and landscape design apprenticeship as part of the Future Jobs Fund.

Sam, who was unemployed for four months, has now been given a fantastic opportunity to work alongside professional gardener John Cavill.

"I used to live in Burnley and when I moved to the area I struggled for four months to find work," he said. "I was determined to find work and the Crosby Employment Bureau gave me information about the Future Jobs Fund.

"It is a really good scheme and I was delighted when the apprenticeship with John was given the go-ahead. I'm looking forward to learning new skills."

Sam will be working 25 hours a week designing landscapes, working with computer-aided designs and gardening. His wages will be paid by the Future Jobs Fund for six months.

John Cavill was really impressed with Sam's attitude.

"Sam is very eager to learn new skills which is fantastic to see. He has a brilliant attitude and was determined to be part of the Future Jobs Fund which is a fantastic scheme. Sam will be working with me on all of my projects including managing an 18 and a half-acre garden in Binbrook and at a variety of schools.

"Having an apprentice is also a learning curve for myself and it is helping me to develop my skills as a trainer which is great.

"Hopefully, when Sam's apprenticeship comes to an end in May I will be able to look into making his position permanent."

Jan Williams, managing director of Crosby Employment Bureau, said: "The aim of the Future Jobs scheme is to give young people aged between 18 and 24 an opportunity to develop new skills during their six months employment that will help them to develop a CV and give them the opportunity to find sustainable employment."