Jessica Vlaanderen had never tried pruning roses ... in fact, gardening in general was a bit of a mystery to her.
But the 18-year-old Wanganui woman is a quick learner and after three weeks with her new boss, she's a dab hand with the secateurs and can handle 101 other jobs around the garden.
Jessica is one of the 12 job hunters who are part of the Chronicle's "Give Them A Chance" campaign, which aims to get eager locals into work.
The call has gone out to Wanganui businesses to offer our tenacious 12 some work experience, which will give them a taste of what it's like to hold down a job and give their CV a boost. And the response has been tremendous.
Two of our candidates have already got fulltime jobs, while others are learning new skills and getting hands-on experience.
Among them is former Wanganui High School student Jessica who has been working with Amy Crawford-Lett in her fledgling AC Gardens venture.
Ms Crawford-Lett took over the garden maintenance and mowing business from her mother-in-law, Lyn Crawford, who ran it as Gardenz, three weeks ago, and speaks highly of her new workmate.
"Jessica is doing really well. She's enthusiastic and willing to learn, and she's a quick learner," said Ms Crawford-Lett.
"If the business grows, I would love to take her on fulltime."
For her part, Jessica has adapted quickly to the physical work - and the scratches and sore back and knees - and is loving it. So much so, that she will soon be taking a horticulture course to lift her skills and know-how.
Another one of our likely prospects is Sonia Tutaki who is working for the Whanganui Employers Chamber of Commerce, the Chronicle's partner in the campaign, while studying for her level 3 in business and administration.
Chamber manager Anne Gilroy said a couple of special projects were lined up for Sonia.
"There is a cross-section of jobs and functions, so it will be great experience for her."
Also in the workplace is 18-year-old Georgia Palmer, a business and administration student who last week started a stint with the Chronicle advertising team.
Chronicle advertising manager Alison Hollard said Georgia had been impressive at interview and was picking things up quickly.