Congratulations to David Thomas from Bridgend College. David, studying for his Level 2 Practical Diploma in Horticulture and Landscaping, has been selected as one of our 2026 Landscape/Horticulture Students of the Year for the Wales region.
Qualifying like previous national winner Archie Matthews for the World Skills Final in landscaping, David has been able to put into practice in business what he has been learning at college. Planning and designing a garden and then creating it in timber, paving, planting and a finished landscape within a tight timeframe was a challenge he enjoyed – and learned a lot from.
He recommends entering awards and competitions as a way of reinforcing what you do – and it encourages you to always try harder, be better. He knows first-hand how much you learn by pushing your limits and actively challenging yourself.
Enthusiastic and conscientious, David has retrained and gone from strength to strength. His dedication to professional development shines through his work; he leads with respect and a supportive manner.
Luke Matthews, David’s Course Lead in Horticulture and Landscaping:
“David has recently set up his own small enterprise with the support of our business development lead at the college. He has done this alongside completing full-time study (3 days per week) and has committed to completing a two-year Level 3 programme from Sept 2026. We hope that David becomes an advert for what is achievable in the industry for other younger learners in our area. When they see what can be achieved, this in turn will hopefully attract new talent to the college and the industry.”