We are pleased to announce that the National Lottery Awards for All has awarded funding to support our Future Gardeners programme this year.
Providing hands-on experience
In the image: Future Gardeners 23rd Cohort Graduation Day
Future Gardeners is an employability and skills development course designed to support people facing barriers to employment to start a career in horticulture. The programme combines education, hands on gardening experience, and job search support to help participants build confidence, gain practical skills, and move towards meaningful work in the green sector.
Key features
A key feature of the programme is its strong progression outcomes:
- 76% of participants begin their horticultural career journey within six months of graduating
- 86% of starters successfully complete the course
- All graduates have the opportunity to achieve a City and Guilds Level 1 qualification in Horticulture
Alongside a strong focus on jobs and qualifications, Future Gardeners focuses on personal growth, confidence building, and real-world experience in outdoor environments. Participants consistently highlight the impact of the course on their motivation and sense of direction.
Student testimonials
One graduate shared:
“This course really has been amazing! The support and confidence that the team has given me has really helped me with finding a job”
Another participant said:
“I really loved all aspects of gardening and seeing the changes that we made through our hard work. This course has given me the opportunity to discover that I have a genuine aptitude to gardening and I am determined to pursue a career in the industry”
With continued support from the National Lottery Awards for All, Future Gardeners will continue to open pathways into horticulture, helping more people gain skills, confidence, and access to employment opportunities.
Find out more or apply here.