The Future Gardeners Journey
Looking for inspiration to start your own career change to gardening? Discover how real people transformed their lives through the Future Gardeners course – an award-winning free gardening course offered by us, Bankside Open Spaces Trust.
Designed for those with little or no experience, this hands-on horticulture training in London provides a clear pathway into entry-level gardening jobs. With practical work placements and the opportunity to gain a City and Guilds horticulture qualification, our graduates have gone on to secure apprenticeships, permanent roles, and fulfilling careers in green spaces across the city.
Daniel’s Journey: From No Experience to a Career in Horticulture
When Daniel joined our Future Gardeners course in his 20s, he had never had a job before. With additional educational needs, he was introduced to our free gardening course by his job coach, who saw the potential of practical, supported horticulture training in London.
Completing the Future Gardeners course in May 2023 marked a major turning point in Daniel’s life. Reflecting on his experience, he said:
“I enjoyed my time on the course. I learnt more about horticulture, met new people, and developed a deeper understanding of the gardening industry.”
As part of the course’s built-in work experience – designed to help students break into entry-level gardening roles – Daniel completed his work experience placement at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. His commitment and the skills he developed during the course led to an apprenticeship with Clarion Housing, which eventually turned into a permanent role. Two years later, Daniel is proud to call himself a gardener.
Jennifer’s Story: From Burnout to a New Beginning in Horticulture
Jennifer was determined to make a change. Her stressful teaching job, combined with being neurodivergent, had left her feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. But changing careers is never easy, and she found herself stuck in a cycle of zero-hours contracts.
Her way forward grew from her allotment, a little green sanctuary that sparked her passion and became the inspiration to join our course.
Talking about our gardening course, Jennifer said:
“I cannot sing the praises of this course highly enough. I’ve never felt so supported, encouraged and empowered. I almost cried walking in on the first day because the atmosphere was so warm, positive and welcoming. That atmosphere has continued throughout the course. I don’t think I would’ve learnt so much as I feel I have without it.”
Following our free gardening course, Jennifer completed a horticultural traineeship at Chelsea Physic Garden and is now the Head Gardener of a school in South London.
Hasan’s Story: Growing a New Career
Hasan was desperate to break into the world of horticulture and outdoor careers. He had spent time volunteering but needed paid work. Our Future Gardeners course seemed like a great choice for Hasan – hands-on learning, a City and Guilds Qualification, work experience and access to contacts within the industry all for free and in just 10 weeks.
Hasan’s determination paid off – as part of our free gardening course his work experience placement was at Chelsea Physic Garden which led to a paid traineeship.
Hasan adds: “This course really has been amazing! The support and confidence that the team has given me has really helped me with finding a job.”
If an outdoor career is your goal, take a look at our free Future Gardeners course – and join the hundreds of people now working in the horticultural industry who started out with us.
