Landscaping labours pay off
Combining his hands-on landscaping skills with the academic and technical learning, this year’s Student of the Year (Landscaping) 2024 is Berwick based newcomer Jacob Carter. This was the first time that the National Award has gone to a Scottish student.
Receiving this coveted award, nominated by his Tutors at SRUC Oatridge and supported by his employer, Keillor Construction, Jacob was incredibly proud and honoured. Travelling down for the event after receiving his Top Student Award from his college before qualifying for this National recognition, Jacob said:
“I am beyond proud to have taken the top prize as such a well-respected event. I had a great time at the awards – as did my tutors and employer! The whole experience, being amongst such industry specialists – it was just fantastic. I’m so grateful to Keillor and Oatridge for their belief and support along this journey.”
Work ethic and commitment to landscape learning
Employed by Keillor, a landscape contractor based on the Scottish border, Jacob’s boss commended him on his work ethic, consistency and timeliness – often making it to site before more local students despite living over 90 miles away! Demonstrating excellence in his commitment across both soft and hard landscaping proficiencies within his Apprenticeship, Jacob pushed himself to continue to learn within every aspect of his course and practical training. On his nomination, Jacob said:
“My course provided me with an excellent opportunity to identify a range of shrubs, trees, weeds and herbaceous plants. I gained confidence to help and choose plants for any soft landscaping projects and I would test myself so that I knew what plants were when they came in on deliveries. The practical machinery skills were both interesting and useful, and as I gained confidence, I could answer questions from customers when working on site.”
Applauded by tutor, employer and industry
A great blend of practical on-the-job skills, fully supported by the more academic and technical knowledge gained at college, Jacob’s attainment was applauded by both tutor and employer. His boss at Keillor said:
“Jacob demonstrated a great commitment to the course from day one – particularly with a 3 hour weekly commute to college. With landscaping roles quite scarce in the area, Jacob was both grateful and respectful, embracing his job wholeheartedly. He will be a great asset to any business.”
His tutor Colin Bell singled him out for the college’s Top Student Award and was pleased to accompany Jacob to the Awards to witness his ongoing successes, saying:
“He always took his time to set out and was the first student to actively check that lines and levels were correct before progressing onto the installation works. He also assisted other students and has an excellent work ethic. It was a pleasure to personally teach him these units. Jacob has a thirst for Hard Landscape Construction and is keen to build on his current skills.”
Student of the Year at the BALI National Landscape Awards
Over 1000 industry professionals joined Jacob at the BALI National Landscape Awards in December 2024. Taking place annually at Grosvenor House, the Awards recognised business, team and personal excellence – and Jacob was at the very heart of an industry which will support him, encourage him and in which he is sure to succeed. He was accompanied by his employer and College representatives.
To apply for 2025 and be in with a chance to win £100 as your College’s Top Student and be entered into the National Landscape Awards for a potential £500 win and £500 for your College, check the Top Student section of the BALI Chalk Fund website.