A rail minister dug in with young people taking their first steps into a horticultural career by working on landscaping projects at Thameslink and Great Northern stations across London.
Chris Heaton-Harris was invited to Alexandra Palace station on Tuesday to learn more about a partnership between train operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and environmental charity Groundwork London.
The charity has recruited four youngsters onto its 'Green Team' training programme through the Government’s Kickstart scheme, which supports previously unemployed 16 to 24-year-olds into work placements.
Mr Heaton-Harris met 21-year-old Abdullah Ghanmi, 21, who lives with his mum, dad and two brothers in Holloway.
He joined the Groundwork team only a few days ago, through the six-month Kickstart scheme, and is already loving it.
Abdullah said: "After I left school I studied Electrician Level 1 but didn’t complete the year for personal reasons. I was doing nothing. I was working as a labourer, just to get by.
"The first day they taught us how to use the machines to take care of gardens or paths. I’ve been really getting into it – it’s eye opening. It’s very good – all positive energy. Everyone is trying to teach and help each other. This course means a lot to me. It’s a good life goal and career path for me."
Alexandra Palace station is one of 18 London stations where the Green Team trainees have been planting new gardens for passengers and local communities to enjoy.
They receive 26 weeks of paid work experience and training, the chance to gain City & Guilds Horticulture and Employability qualifications, and practical job-hunting support.
The Green Team’s 18 station projects include wildflower gardens to aid biodiversity and save water, and bee gardens to encourage and protect pollinators, vital to the world’s food chains.
At Alexandra Palace, large timber planters and planters with seating have been installed to add colour and scent, with plants chosen to act as pollinators and encourage local biodiversity.
Projects are also taking place at Palmers Green, Bowes Park, Gordon Hill, New Southgate, New Barnet, and Mill Hill Broadway.
Mr Heaton-Harris, said: "It was fantastic to visit Alexandra Palace station and put in a shift alongside one of Groundwork’s Green Teams as they brought new life to a station. As we build back better, we remain committed to improving stations, making our railways greener and providing new skills and jobs through the excellent Kickstart campaign."
Graham Parry, director of youth employment and skills, Groundwork London, said: "We’ve long believed that the best way to help young people start a career is to give them job, and Kickstart will enable Groundwork London to offer this stepping stone into the green economy for over 200 unemployed young people this year.
"Our partnership with GTR enables us to offer these young people real work experience in high profile public spaces. The skills they will learn and pride they can take from completing these wonderful projects will prepare them well for their future career."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here