UK: DCF invests £8,500 in students of horticulture

With this year’s scholarship season once again until 31 January 2018, HTA looks back at how The David Colegrave Foundation has already helped out horticulturists of the future.

Last year lucky eight students that were looking for a career in Horticulture were selected to receive £8,500 worth of scholarships by the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF).

Below they talk about what happened after they received their funds:

George Laws who received the South West Growers Show Sponsored Scholarship has been able to secure a job immediately after graduation in the research and development department of a sustainable production systems business. George hopes other prospective students manage to gain this Scholarship as, “it has greatly improved my independence and career prospects for the future.”

Emma McFarline, who received a Student Scholarship, said. “This scholarship has been an invaluable help to me as it hasn’t just supported me financially, it has also given me confidence that changing my career to horticulture was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thank you.”

Caroline Power who also received a Student Scholarship has now successfully completed her first year in Horticulture at CAFRE Greenmount College, and hopes to continue on the same successful path. As part of her ongoing studies she hopes to develop her knowledge in hydroponics and research into alternative hydroponic growing media which sparked her interest in modern growing techniques and crop quality management.

Gabor Lukoviczki received the British Protected Ornamentals Association (BPOA) - Peter Seabrook Bursary. Gabor has now worked with over 600 varieties and developed a knowledge of their needs and treatments. The bursary gave him the opportunity to continue his study in horticultural production. Since receiving his bursary, Gabor has had the opportunity to travel, and further his studies with a QA Award, First Aid at Work and purchasing his own text books. Gabor hopes to develop more in horticultural diseases and the treatment of them and then to learn about the different types of pests and biological controls there are too.

Jeff Colegrave, DCF Chairman, says, “This year’s Scholarship Season drew in applications from students studying at 19 colleges across the UK. Those awarded are all a great investment with interests that include pests and diseases, organic growing methods, sustainability, hydroponics, plant pathology and crop management.”

Over £57,000 worth of scholarships has been awarded in the past five years to students studying at 14 UK colleges. The current Scholarship Season is open for students to apply for funding, and it closes on January 31st.

For more information:
www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk
hta.org.uk

Publication date: Tue 31 Oct 2017