David Francis teaches BTEC Level 3 Diploma at Capel Manor College. David has spent all his working life studying and working in professional horticulture. He is a full time lecturer and also teaches students on a range of full and part time courses. Capel Manor is London’s only specialist land based further education college. It has centres at Enfield, Regent’s Park, Gunnersbury Park and Crystal Palace Park.
Q. What qualifications route did you take to realise your career?
I initially studied part time for City & Guilds qualifications in horticulture whilst working as an assistant gardener. I subsequently moved to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew where I studied full time for three years on the degree level Kew Diploma in Horticulture
Q. Please explain in detail what students will learn during your Horticulture course
The principles and practice of horticulture including plant and soil science, garden design and construction, planting and maintenance of gardens, fruit and vegetable production, business management, turf establishment and maintenance, horticultural machinery, plant propagation, plant identification.
Q. What’s the first thing you teach your students?
Plant classification and nomenclature (naming)
Q. What qualities do you need to succeed in your industry?
Commitment, reliability, an ability to get up early in the morning, physical resilience and a love of the outdoors.
Q. What are the benefits of studying Horticulture?
It allows students to learn skills and knowledge that can lead to a great career with many different pathways.
Q. Please explain why you love your subject
I love the outdoors and living things, working in horticulture allows me to be paid for pursuing my interest. It is also really rewarding working with students and colleagues who have a passion for the environment.
Q. What skills do your students have by the end of the Horticulture course?
A broad range of knowledge and skills in the theory and practice of horticulture.
Q. What do students normally do once they’ve finished their course?
Some students move to higher education, others go to one of the many paid traineeships at world class gardens such as Kew, Cambridge and Edinburgh Botanics or Royal Horticultural Society gardens. Many past students have started their own gardening businesses or gone to work in historic gardens such as Chatsworth House. Others have gone in to journalism; television and even teaching.
Q. What’s the best way to go about getting a job in your industry?
Some formal training at college is very important but employers also look for professional practical experience so it’s useful to work on that too, arranging to do voluntary work or a work placement.
Q. Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
I’m at work by 7.30 every day. Before starting teaching I usually spend an hour and half marking student work, doing course administration or preparing my lectures for that day. I teach most days from 9.00 to 4.00 and then finish off by dealing with e-mails and sometimes attending meetings.
Q. What advice do you have for people interested in studying a course like yours?
The best way is to phone and speak to a tutor for guidance or attend a college advice session where you can meet the tutors in person.