Supported by a growing legion of Champions this year, we are hoping to encourage a healthy host of requests to support for Enrichment and Training for students getting work-ready with landscape, horticultural and garden design learning providers for 2025.
Where a Champion’s money goes
As the door closes on this year’s Student of the Year Awards application and nomination process and we assess the submissions, we are also compiling a picture of just what a difference the Fund has been making over recent years. From ROLO and Manual Handling; to First Aid and Spraying; if you are a Student or undergoing training at any UK college in the fields of landscape and horticulture, you can apply for financial support from training from the Fund.
Bridging the gap
Merrist Wood College has a long and strong history in developing practical skills and launching landscape and horticultural careers. They are also appreciative and engaged with the team at BALI Chalk Fund and are well-versed in sourcing, applying and benefiting from their requests for financial support for their extra-curricular practical training programmes.
Recently completing a number of enrichment training activities, the College has received the support to bring their students in line on a number of Health and Safety and practical skills. These are vital to bridge the gap for their students as they move from their academic achievements and look to translate these into valuable, transferable skills as they seek work and vocational employment.
Confidence entering the workplace
Richard Cant, Curriculum Manager at Merrist Wood College explains the difference that BALI Chalk funding has made to his student cohort this year:
“The training has provided a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop additional skills to help ensure they are successful in their future careers. Our key focus for the training this year has been “safer staff = safer workplace” so all of the training we planned had a Health & Safety theme to it. The benefit of this will be that our students are more competent and confident when entering the workplace, and we hope it will foster a safety mindset that will remain with them throughout their career and will spread throughout the industry.”
Employability and your landscape toolkit
Critically, these are trained skills that may not otherwise be deliverable at the College, leaving a concerning hole as their students graduate and look to take their first steps in the commercial world. These skills are an essential part of a landscape, growing or designers toolkit when out on site, on the nursery, in the office, in transit or with clients and suppliers.
Richard continues:
“Not only will these additional qualifications help our students stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs, but will also help employers know that the students they employ from Merrist Wood have the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to join their existing teams.”
Training delivered, fully funded
The training completed has been:
- 21 ROLO Courses for L2/L3 Landscaping/Horticulture Apprentices
- 12 Manual Handling & Working at Heights for L2 Landscaping/Horticulture Apprentices
- 22 Emergency First Aid at Work for L2/L3 Landscaping/Horticulture Apprentices
How can you and/or your training provider apply for similar funding?
If you have additional technical and practical training skills and courses that are not currently covered by your college or training provider, you may also be eligible for funding from BALI Chalk Fund. To apply, visit the Student Enrichment page to find out more and start the process for your next academic year.