London’s environmental college launches free training programmes to grow the city’s green workforce
Capel Manor College has launched two new programmes designed to help adults gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities to start or progress in their careers.
Adult learning is at a record high and continues to grow, with the Learning and Work Institute reporting that 49% of adults in the UK have taken part in learning in the last three years. The benefits of continuing education include boosted brain health, reduced loneliness and improved job prospects, according to the Local Government Association.
With around half of its student body aged 19+, Capel Manor College has been empowering students for over 50 years to achieve their qualifications and thrive in their careers.
Skills Bootcamps at Capel Manor College
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible training programmes designed to help adults gain the skills employers are looking for right now in priority sectors.
Part of the Mayor of London’s drive to boost skills, and funded by the Greater London Authority, they offer a direct route to work, self-employment or further training, all within just five to 16 weeks.
Capel Manor College’s first two programmes, Grounds Maintenance and Professional Gardener, will support Londoners to join one of the Capital’s fastest growing sectors. Both programmes are free to learners, with flexible delivery designed to support adults aged 19 and over who are unemployed, looking to retrain, or seeking to progress in their careers
Distance learning at Capel Manor College
As well as providing hands-on, in-person teaching across its five campuses, the College also brings that same trusted learning experience online with the launch of free, flexible online courses for adults.
Distance learning courses are designed to fit around students’ lifestyles. From sustainability and wellbeing to leadership, business and digital skills, each course offers practical learning and recognised qualifications that can support personal growth or career progression.
Longstanding partnerships with employers
As part of the College’s commitment to collaborating and engaging with employers in the green sectors, the College recently held a Floristry Employer Forum on Thursday 27 November 2025.
This event united employers, suppliers and professionals to encourage innovation, strengthen connections and showcase the talents of its students, with a special live floral demonstration by internationally renowned floral designer Ercole Moroni, co-founder of McQueens Florists. Moroni’s work has featured at prestigious events including the Cannes Film Festival and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Sam Black, Assistant Principal for Employer Skills, Innovation and Growth at Capel Manor College said:
“London needs skilled people to look after its parks, gardens and green spaces and our courses are an excellent way for adults to gain those skills while connecting directly with employers. We’re inviting partners across London to work with us to reach residents, support referrals, and open pathways into sustainable, rewarding work.”
Variety of part-time courses starting in January 2026
Capel Manor College offers a variety of full and part-time courses, apprenticeships and industry training.
Students are immersed in a hands-on, creative and practical outdoor learning environment with industry-experienced tutors, providing them with the opportunity to gain qualifications valued by land-based employers across the world.
Courses are available in a variety of subjects including, agriculture, animal management, arboriculture, art and design, business and digital skills, dog grooming, floristry, garden design, horticulture, saddlery and shoemaking and environmental conservation. View all courses.
Capel Manor College is now calling on referral partners, local authorities, community groups, Jobcentre Plus advisers, and employers to help identify and refer learners who could benefit from these programmes, or to offer employment opportunities to graduates.
