Hear from our Students
Ben
“I really like how hands-on the course is. We get to do a variety of activities such as painting, building and planting in the garden at Thornes Park. The fence building project has been my favourite. I’ve learnt a lot about plants and soils, including their scientific names and woodwork skills. I’m looking forward to our trip to Portugal where we will be working in some gardens. One day, I’d like to start my own landscaping business and this qualification will help me do that.”
Caleb
“I chose Wakefield College because they offered me an Early College Transfer place. I enjoy doing woodwork like the archway and gate projects. We have also been involved in making the compost bins, planting and learning the theory alongside it. I have also learnt soft skills such as listening, communication and confidence. We have been go karting as a class which was really fun and we have also been planting at the Himalayan Gardens.”
+ In 2023, the environmental horticulture industry supported the employment of 722,000 jobs in the UK
Isabel
“I came to Wakefield College because of the good SEND provision. My tutors have been really supportive with my SEND needs. I enjoy the practical elements of the course the most like the woodwork projects where we made bee houses and bird boxes. I’ve also been able to develop skills with tools such as drills and people skills. I would like a job in Horticulture in the future.”
Kevin
“I have learnt about types of plants, how to crop and care for them and how to make different plants. I’ve also done woodwork, like building decking and health and safety skills with tools. We have been on lots of trips such as go karting, tree planting with Open Country and planting flowers in Wakefield town centre. I really enjoy this course and being outside - planting trees and composting are my favourite things to do. In the future, I want a gardening job.”
+ Up to 200 calories are burned by doing 30 minutes of gardening
+ In 2023 environmental horticulture production was valued at £1.7 billion
+ 14.7m2 is the average size of UK domestic gardens (front, back and sides)
+ 85% of UK adults agree gardens and public green spaces benefit their state of mind and 80% their physical health
Source: The Horticultural Trades Association
