College
Student success stories 2011-12
(for student profiles from 2010-11, click here)
Horticulture
Robbie Murison BTEC National Cert in Horticulture, Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
Robbie, 20, took a BTEC National Certificate in Horticulture at Capel Manor which led to work as a technician at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens. He then spent a year working in Regent’s Park before returning to the college to study for a diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture. He said: “The course gave me a good scientific background and wonderful practical experience working with the world’s top botanists at Cambridge.”
Acau Bailey BTEC National Diploma in Horticulture
Farming was part of Acau’s Vietnamese heritage, but she denied her passion for horticulture and spent 19 years as a teacher and child minder. After working on a school garden, using her instincts and techniques learned from books, she decided to study at Capel Manor. Acau then gained a place at the Royal Botanic Garden Kew Traineeship Scheme, working on the gardens at Buckingham Palace. She said: “My course has provided me with so many opportunities and opened many doors for me. Our teachers have been absolutely brilliant; I feel like I have had a whirlwind romance with horticulture.”
Laura Steele RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture
Former vet Laura Steele developed an interest in horticulture after working in her parent's garden prior to holding her wedding reception there last year.
She already has degrees in both Zoology and Veterinary Science, and went on to win the Royal Horticultural Society’s Anne Menhinick Prize for the highest overall mark achieved by a candidate under 30. She said: "I was in the middle of moving house and literally expecting to go into labour at any second so it was hard to concentrate in the exam, but I’ve always enjoyed knowing how things work and that’s why I enjoyed it so much."
Animal Care
Karina Chapman BTEC National Diploma in Animal Management
Karina, 20, commuted here from Birmingham after she discovered Capel Manor was the only college offering the range of subjects she needed to get into university. Now studying at the Royal Veterinary College, she has inspired a wave of current students at Capel Manor to apply for a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science. She said: “The lecturers at Capel Manor have a really good attitude, treating all the students as adults and respecting their judgements and ambitions. I found that really motivating and encouraging.”
Natalie Bruff – BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care
Natalie went from being asked to leave her secondary school because of her poor grades to being in the top three in her class at Surrey University. The veterinary bioscience student was then offered a £1,000 bursary to take part in an eight-week research project at the prestigious University of Sao Paulo.
Natalie, 20, said: “School just wasn’t the right environment for me. Tutors at Capel Manor really push you, and I was exposed to all sorts of animals, which was brilliant. I became really self-motivated, my mum was really surprised that I was always in the library.”
Saddlery
Mia Sabel Cordwainers’ Diploma in Saddlery
The former creative director of a bank, Mia founded Sabel bespoke leather design during her course at Capel Manor and now designs and makes luxury goods such as attaché cases and handbags. She said: “I had a successful career for many years before this, but I decided I wanted to work for myself. My grandfather was a master cabinet maker and I am now carrying on the family tradition of craftsmanship.” Mia, 43, was awarded a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust Award in 2010. The award means she has been granted £6,200 for further training.
Garden Design
James Waterton Garden Design in Practice
James, 20, studied horticulture at Capel Manor aged 15 alongside his GCSEs. As a teenager his allotment was featured on BBC Gardeners’ World. After doing A levels he did a Foundation Degree in Garden Design and was part of a team awarded gold from Prince Charles for a garden showcased at the Ideal Home Show 2011. He said: “This course really brought out my confidence. I can now build on my skills and go into garden design feeling very well prepared.”
Rosemary Coldstream Level 3 Diploma in Garden and Planting Design
While taking a Level 3 Diploma, Rosemary set up her own garden design business. The former women’s high street fashion designer, 45, became a full member of the Society of Garden Designers in 2009 and has received several major commissions, including working on a half hectare plot belonging to a Russian millionaire. She said: “The course gives you an incredibly good grounding in plant knowledge and design, and that is what clients look for.”
Floristry
Lisa Green Advanced National Diploma in Floristry
After former nurse Lisa Green decided to work with flowers, she gained a national certificate in floristry and set up a business from home, and has now made bouquets for celebrities Dawn French and Shakira Caine.
She joined Capel Manor College in 2009 to further her studies, and now runs flower-arranging workshops at a studio in her back garden, exhibits at craft fairs, and runs a stall selling her own designs. She said: “Doing this course has given me the knowledge and skills to market myself as a professional.”
Mimi Arifalo Advanced National Diploma in Floristry
Mimi, 34 gave up her job as a property surveyor when she had children. She gained a level 1 qualification in balloon displays in 2007 and has now progressed to the advanced diploma and set up her own business. She said: “People can’t believe that my designs are made of balloons because they look so detailed. I love doing children’s parties – there is so much more of a wow factor compared to property surveying. I would like to open my own shop and one day go back to Nigeria and teach.”
Arboriculture
Michelle Cain BTEC National Certificate in Horticulture, Extended Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture
Music promoter Michelle Cain, 34, swapped a career marketing some of the country’s biggest music acts at Virgin Records for a life outdoors. A National Certificate in Horticulture gave her the contacts and industry experience to become a self-employed gardener. She has now rejoined Capel Manor as an arboriculture student. She said: “I realised I’d been working for a long time to make someone else rich and wanted to do something of my own. My friends in the music business all say I am the envy of them because I have this lovely life outside.”
Tom Cook Level 2 Diploma in Arboriculture and Forestry
Tom became hooked on tree climbing at a Capel Manor open day. He took a BTEC First Certificate in Countryside and Environment and a Level 2 Arboriculture course at Capel Manor’s centre in Horsenden Farm, Uxbridge and is now moved up to a Level 2 Diploma while working part time for a gardener as a specialist tree surgeon. He is now set to become a Practical Instructor for the college at just 18, while his skill at climbing has won him a place in a team set to compete in national competitions. He said: “The facilities at Horsenden Farm are excellent, the staff are really keen to help, and there is lots of social interaction which I really enjoy.”
Student Services
Wai-Anthony Choi-Sanchez Level 1 Diploma in Land-based studies
Animal lover Wai, 18, completed a taster course in Animal Care, and enrolled on to the Access to FE in Horticulture. He has found the learning support given to him by the college invaluable. He said: “I am knowledge-hungry and enjoying everything I am learning, particularly the practical work because I really love being outside. There is so much open space at Capel Manor it makes me feel very free.” Wai has now progressed on to the Level 1 Diploma in Landbased Studies.
Callum Newton Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment
Callum came to Capel Manor from a school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties. In his first year Callum, 17, completed a Level 1 qualification, receiving help with literacy and numeracy as well as support in class. He has now progressed to the Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment. He said: “At school I was a very shy person but here I have loads of friends which has boosted my confidence.”
Apprentices
Lyndon Thompson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Horticulture
Born in Zimbabwe, where gardening on his parents’ four-acre farm was a family pastime, Lyndon moved to the UK aged 17 with a set of qualifications which aren’t recognised in the UK. After taking GCSEs, he joined the college to take a Level 2 Apprenticeship. He then progressed to the Advanced Apprenticeship while working on Capel Manor’s 30-acre Enfield estate. The 23-year-old said: “Doing an apprenticeship was the best thing that ever happened to me. I gained specialist in-depth knowledge and a range of associated qualifications.”
Jenna Waldron Royal Parks Apprenticeship Scheme
Jenna, 26, became an apprentice jeweller before realising what she really craved was hands-on work outdoors. After doing a Level 2 gardening course at Capel Manor she applied for the Royal Parks Apprenticeship Scheme, winning outstanding apprentice of the year in her first year. As part of a third year project she rejuvenated part of the formal gardens in St John’s Lodge in Regent’s Park and was also nominated for employee of the year. She said: “Working, and learning with all these people around me, who want to help, has made a big difference to my life. It makes me feel like I’ve got choices.”
See apprentices in action:
Horticulture apprentices Ami Cowley and Michael Handscombe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HEsQrDOelY
Arboriculture apprentice Antony Harper http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5leARm5w0A
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