Andrew’s garden design journey

Andrew’s studies at Capel Manor College began with garden design at Level 1 and he is now studying at Level 3.

“Before joining the College my plan was to improve my expertise as a gardener and transition my business towards garden design so I chose to study practical horticulture and garden design. I chose Capel Manor College as it has a good reputation and it is local to me. It is a great place to study with a wonderful campus. The College teaches young people valuable, practical skills that they can easily transfer to a work environment and helps career changers realise their job aspirations. 

I have undertaken a variety of courses that have encompassed practical, theory and design based work. I have enjoyed all of my courses and they have been run by enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspiring teachers who have encouraged me to do my best. By being on the course, I have increased my confidence in my abilities and it has helped me rediscover my love for drawing. The course has also helped me improve my design skills and horticultural knowledge. 

I am now working on developing my garden design business and I am collaborating on projects with fellow students and contacts I have made whilst at Capel Manor College. Undoubtedly, my experience at the College helped me get to where I am today. Looking back at my time at Capel Manor College I can trace back great opportunities that presented themselves. In the future, when I have gained further experience, I would be interested in teaching illustration/garden design, and supporting other students in setting up their own businesses.”

Where are they now?

After five years studying animal management with us, Cara has continued to thrive in higher education and the animal science sector. 

Following her time at our College she progressed to her first-choice university to study BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology, a course selected to broaden the biology and animal science knowledge she first developed at Capel Manor College. Throughout her degree, Cara explored diverse areas from physiology to animal behaviour, and the fascinating crossover of behavioural physiology. 

As part of her four-year programme, Cara completed an exciting placement year that took her around the world. She spent three months at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Ecuador followed by six months at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna contributing to sector research. 

Returning to the UK for her final year, Cara graduated with first-class honours, as well as several prestigious awards recognising her academic excellence and dedication to student leadership. 

Her success has continued beyond her undergraduate degree. Cara has now been accepted to study an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at one of the UK’s leading institutions in this field. Alongside her postgraduate studies, she is working remotely with her research team in Vienna, conducting data analysis and contributing to multiple scientific publications. 

Cara says that Capel Manor College helped shape the confident, motivated person she is today, supporting her personal development as much as her academic journey. Her long-term dream remains to work in animal behaviour and eventually become a team leader in a canine behavioural team with a charity such as Dogs Trust, RSPCA or Battersea, before moving on to a career in education, inspiring others just as she was inspired.