The British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary is seeking to reward young horticulturists with £1,000 to support their study of commercial horticulture.
The scholarship, which is part of the David Colegrave Foundation Scholarship Season, is also available to schools and horticultural colleges to finance trips for students over 16 years of age to leading commercial horticultural establishments.
Simon Davenport, Chairman of the BPOA, says, “BPOA is delighted to support Peter in his effort to encourage new entrants to our industry. BPOA members value the contribution of young students and trainees in improving the quality and size of the available pool of talent for our business and want to continue to back that work.”
Last season, the £1,000 BPOA - Peter Seabrook Bursary was won by Gabor Lukoviczki.
With the support of the Bursary, Gabor has been able to extend his studies at Myerscough College to follow his Production horticulture level 2 course with level 3 as well as being able to enrol on several smaller courses and purchase materials to enhance his horticultural knowledge and career opportunities. Gabor is also working as a grower at Lovania Nurseries.
Gabor says, “My training is really important to me as it is helping me become a better grower and opening up opportunities for further development. I recommend other keen horticulturists to apply for a scholarship with the David Colegrave Foundation in the future.”
He adds how else the Bursary has helped him, “The BPOA – Peter Seabrook Bursary has made me one big step closer to achieving my goals. I wanted to learn more on pests and biological control and have been able to develop my learning by buying some books. While attending an AHDB workshop Diamondback Moth Seminar, I realised how important it is to recognise insect varieties. The bursary helped me to buy a digital microscope with high zoom capability to identify the insect varieties, which helps me to correctly select the pesticide or biological control to use. To extend my knowledge of pests, the bursary also helped me to start one other course - the RSPH Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Rodenticides course. This course will help me to control the rodents safely and minimise plant damage.”
The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) scholarship season is open for all student horticulturists until 31 January 2019. There are a number of scholarships available and to enter applicants simply need to complete an application form which they can do online.
David Colegrave Foundation