Feedback from Trainees
Feedback on the HBGTP is overwhelmingly and enthusiastically positive. Our trainees value the sheer range of practical skills they acquire over the course, the friends and professional contacts they make, and the chance to expand their technical knowledge, including plant identification.
A selection of our trainees’ comments appear below.
“It gave me the chance to spend a year gaining practical experience in a historic environment with the opportunity to learn new skills first hand from the gardeners.”
Ellis Gant, Trainee at Osborne House 2021-22
“The HBGTP jumped out as an incredible opportunity to work in a heritage setting to allow me to develop within a supportive team. The course was the perfect preparation for my next step. It is a life changing opportunity. It gives you not only a great work experience in a beautiful place but hopefully be the first step in a new career.”
Daniel Liston, Trainee at Wrest Park 2021-22
“HBGTP appealed to me over others because of the prestige of the placement gardens and the reputation of their teams. I wanted to learn in an environment where the standards would be very high and where I knew that the skills I was learning were relevant. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the scheme to anyone, it’s one of the best things I’ve done.”
Helen Lindley, Trainee at Chatsworth House 2021-22
“HBGTP offered me the opportunity to be immersed in a garden across all the seasons, gaining practical experience from an established team. The support from the HBGTP team plus the structured coursework meant it ticked all the boxes for me.”
Jacqueline Hall, Trainee at Ness Botanic Gardens 2021-22
“It was exactly the kind of training I needed in order to gain entry into the industry. No garden would have given me a job with the limited experience I had prior to the placement, but with the HBGTP I got an immersive ‘on-the-tools’ experience which really improved my prospects.”
Mike Roberts, Trainee at Ness Botanic Gardens 2019-20
“The support provided by my placement garden and the HBGTP team has been phenomenal. In very difficult circumstances, I felt that my learning continued throughout the year, and I’m immensely grateful to all involved at Bodnant and at English Heritage for making this possible.”
Rowan Thompson, Trainee at Bodnant 2019-20
“Having full time practical experience side-by-side to experienced gardeners and expert horticulturalists every day, coupled with the obligation of fortnightly plant identification tests and the three research projects, collectively made for a highly productive year of immersion to kick start a career in horticulture.”
Thomas Wright, Trainee at Osborne 2019-20
“The whole thing has been superb! One of the best experiences of my life and I’m really glad I’ve done it. I’ve met some excellent people, learnt loads, gained confidence and had loads of fun.”
Vicky Fitzpatrick, Trainee at Wrest Park 2018-19
“The HBGTP has given me the opportunity to spend two years working in one of the world’s most exciting gardens. I have been able to foster a love of plants, learn skills and gain experience that you could never learn out of a book. The study blocks have allowed me to meet a bunch of interesting people and the qualifications the scheme provides are an added bonus. Following studies at university, the chance to continue learning, and to be paid to do so, seemed like an amazing opportunity. I would encourage anyone to consider the HBGTP as the best way to enter a rewarding and stimulating profession.”
Jonny Bruce, Trainee at Great Dixter 2014-16
