AN engineering student has sown the seeds of success after manging to secure a job after 200 applications.
Darlington College engineering student Adam Dowthwaite is now working part time with horticulture specialists Pretty Wild Seeds as he continues his Level 3 extended diploma in advanced manufacturing.
Keen to work alongside his studies the 17-year-old applied for countless positions but was hindered by his lack of experience.
Head of sales at Pretty Wild Seeds Craig Morley heard of his struggles from Adam’s father and decided to give him a chance.
“His punctuality is superb, his attitude is superb and so is his enthusiasm,” said Craig. “As employers we believe in giving youth a chance and we would urge other firms to follow our lead and give students a go.”
Adam has impressed Craig and the firm’s founders Andy and Paula Ivison with his productivity and work ethic.
The company was founded eight years ago and flourished during the Covid pandemic when people were in lockdown so headed for the garden and allotments.
It now provides more than 17,000 different varieties of seeds – including grasses, wild flowers and vegetables – to customers all over the UK.
Adam, who is in his second year at Darlington College after leaving Haughton Academy, now works 20 hours a week around his studies at the business, in John Dobbin Road,
Darlington, and is also available for weekend work.
He performs a variety of tasks including helping to package orders for mixed seeds that are sent all over the country in the form of packets, bee bombs, seed mats and sticks.
Demand for seed is burgeoning as individuals, schools, allotment associations, councils and corporate clients, including vets and pet cemeteries, begin to fully appreciate the benefits to mental wellbeing and nature of growing their own.
The closure of Wilkos has also seen a huge growth in the demand for bird seed which the company is now beginning to fill.
The firm is so impressed with Adam that it is planning to take on another Darlington College student to help them with its digital marketing.
Andy said: “We didn’t realise how hard it was for young people to get a job and we are glad to help. Adam is a gem and is learning about life, the workplace and health and safety.”
Adam, 17, who is aiming to secure an apprenticeship and work for the Highways Agency one day, added: “It’s really good working here, it is always busy, there is always something to do and it feels different every day. Earning money is great as I’m saving up to buy and run a car and I really enjoy college too particularly the welding.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.