HIGHLY COMMENDED: Scott Fearn, The Ron Simmonds Construction Trade Apprentice of the Year 2026

A huge congratulations to Scott Fearn for being Highly Commended for The Ron Simmonds Construction Trade Apprentice of the Year Award, 2026.  

Scott recently completed his Level 2 Landscaping/Horticulture Operative apprenticeship with YGS Landscapes and City College Plymouth, finishing in October 2025. Throughout his apprenticeship, he proved himself to be a motivated, capable, and increasingly influential member of the team.  

Upon receiving the award, Scott said “I’m truly grateful to have been Highly Commended for The Ron Simmonds Construction Trade Apprentice of the Year Award 2026. I want to thank both City College Plymouth and my employer, YGS Landscapes, for their support. To any new apprentices starting out, I just want to say: no matter what challenges you face, keep going and persevere — it will be worth it. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has helped me throughout my apprenticeship.” 

During his placements across various departments at YGS, Scott quickly became known for his adaptability and strong work ethic. Multiple teams expressed interest in having him permanently due to his consistent performance and positive attitude. Ultimately, the Sherford site—with its scale, complexity, and variety of tasks—provided the ideal environment for Scott to continue developing his skills.  

Since joining the Sherford team, Scott has played an important role in delivering public open spaces and supporting major infrastructure works. His responsibilities range from tree planting and seeding to sports pitch maintenance and general grounds care across the site. He confidently operates large-scale machinery, including grass cutting equipment, and is one of only two YGS staff members trained to operate the seeding machine—an essential skill that helps maintain the high quality expected across the development.  

Scott’s reliability has stood out time and time again. When colleagues were absent due to illness, he stepped up willingly to ensure work continued smoothly. His initiative, commitment, and determination to deliver his best have made him a dependable and valued member of the Sherford team. He approaches every task—routine or challenging—with confidence and precision.  

YGS is incredibly proud that Scott became the first apprentice to complete the course delivered with City College Plymouth—an achievement that reflects his dedication and strong progression throughout the apprenticeship.  

From the beginning, Scott has shown enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine interest in every aspect of his role. His communication skills are a particular strength, enabling him to work effectively with colleagues across the business. Whether taking on familiar duties or learning something new, Scott consistently delivers work of a high standard.  

One of the most impressive aspects of his development has been his eagerness to expand his knowledge. His rapid progress in learning Latin plant names and botanical terminology demonstrates both curiosity and discipline. While many learners find this area challenging, Scott not only mastered it but also researched plants in his own time to deepen his understanding.  

Beyond his technical skills, Scott has become a role model for the six other apprentices at YGS. His professionalism, positive attitude, and commitment to learning set an excellent example, fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement. He regularly goes the extra mile—studying operating manuals, reviewing planting plans, and exploring plant species—ensuring he is always prepared for new challenges.  

Scott’s influence extends beyond his own workload; he has the potential to inspire colleagues and contribute to a strong, supportive team culture in the years ahead. His journey shows what can be achieved through hard work, initiative, and a genuine passion for the landscaping and horticulture industry.