College News

Career Success for Green Fingered Student

The grass proves to be greener on the other side for one Solihull College student after he closes the curtains on his theatrical career and lands a job with the National Trust.

After years of working as a theatre technician, 25 year old John Hogan-Fleming decided to pursue a career outdoors so enrolled onto the College’s BTEC First Diploma in Horticulture.

“I was tired of being indoors all day and wanted a career that I could really enjoy. Although the only experience I’d had of horticulture was mowing my gran’s front lawn, I knew that working outdoors would be prefect for me.” John comments.

While studying on the Level Two programme, John found a voluntary placement with the National Trust and after recently completing the course with Distinction grades, was offered a full time position.

John now works as part of a team to maintain the gardens of Packwood House - a picturesque 16^th century manor estate in Lapworth, Warwickshire.

John adds: “I was a bit apprehensive at first about leaving a job I knew but as soon as I started at College, I knew I’d made the right choice. The BTEC gave me the basic skills I needed and I’m really pleased I made the move. I’m just happy to be doing a job that I love, both my manager and my College tutors are really supportive and helping to develop my knowledge of horticulture even further.”

Alongside his new role, John is now completing an NVQ Level Three in Horticulture through the College.

Carole Webb, Horticulture and Garden Design tutor at the College adds: “It’s always rewarding to see one of our students go on to do so well and we’re really pleased for John. He made a brave move by leaving a job he knew to pursue a different career, especially in the current economic climate. He is a true inspiration and we no doubt he will excel in his new role.”