Sam’s Skills Bootcamp journey
When Sam enrolled on our Professional Gardener Skills Bootcamp course, he was looking for practical training that could help him start a new career in horticulture.
Through hands-on learning, employability support and industry connections, the Skills Bootcamp gave him the confidence and experience to take the next step into employment.
During the Skills Bootcamp, Sam developed a wide range of practical horticulture skills, including preparing ground for planting, caring for planted areas, mowing, hedge trimming, tool maintenance, soil improvement and identifying plant diseases and disorders. Alongside this, he also gained a stronger understanding of how to work safely and confidently outdoors.
“What I enjoyed most was the hands-on side of it,” said Sam. “I liked being outside learning practical skills and seeing the results of the work straight away.”
As well as practical training, the Skills Bootcamp included employability tutorials designed to help learners prepare for work in the industry. For Sam, these sessions proved especially valuable.
“The employability tutorials really helped to prepare for CV writing, job hunting and interviews,” he explained.
Through the College, Sam was introduced to JFK Gardening and invited to interview for a role. The process included both an interview and a trial shift, giving him the opportunity to demonstrate his enthusiasm and work ethic in a real working environment.
“The interview with JFK Gardening, set up by Capel Manor College, was really positive,” said Sam. “The trial shift was helpful because it let me show that I was willing to get stuck in and work hard. I think it worked well because it gave both sides a proper chance to see if I was right for the role.”
Since joining the company, Sam has continued to build on the skills he gained during the Skills Bootcamp and is enjoying learning more about the day-to-day realities of professional garden maintenance.
“Since starting at JFK Gardening, things have been going really well,” he said. “I’m enjoying being part of the team and learning more about day-to-day garden maintenance. I’ve already picked up more about working efficiently, plant identification, using equipment properly and adapting to different jobs and sites.”
Looking back on his experience, Sam says he would recommend the Skills Bootcamp course to anyone interested in working in horticulture or grounds maintenance, particularly those considering a career change.
“It gives you a solid foundation and helps you understand what the job is really like,” he said.
Sam also plans to continue building on the skills he developed during the Skills Bootcamp throughout his career.
“I plan to use what I learned every day in my work by keeping up good habits, working safely and improving the way I carry out maintenance tasks. I also want to keep learning from others and build on the skills I already have.”
Find out more about our Skills Bootcamps here: https://www.capel.ac.uk/courses/skills-bootcamps/
