UK: Pam Pointer Award Winner from Bransford Webbs announced

Sam Olesky, an apprentice at The Bransford Webbs Plant Company, has recently been honored with the Pam Pointer Award for 2025 through the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH). This prestigious award acknowledges horticultural students for their exceptional achievements in both academic pursuits and practical applications. As part of the award, Sam will receive the prize of attending a Chartered Institute of Horticulture event and will also enjoy a free one-year Associate Membership.

Mark Diggines, a Trainer and Assessor at Pershore College, nominated Sam for the award and praised her dedication, commenting, "Sam has been an excellent student throughout her apprenticeship. She has demonstrated a passion for the industry and a strong desire to learn as much as she can. Hopefully, the award of a year's free membership with the Chartered Institute of Horticulture will enable her to continue building on what she has learnt and to progress within the Production Horticulture sector."

© The Bransford Webbs Plant Company

Sam is nearing the completion of a two-year apprenticeship at Bransford Webbs, during which she has been working towards a Level 3 Crop Technician Qualification. Impressively, within the first six months of her apprenticeship, Sam applied for and secured the position of permanent Grower Team Leader for one of the Glasshouse areas. In this role, she is responsible for managing 5000m² of crops, including tasks such as watering, monitoring, cultural work, and dispatch. Additionally, she has the responsibility of leading a small team at various times. Last October, Sam also earned a place as an IPPS six packer, which allowed her to attend the annual conference in Surrey.

Karl O'Neill, Technical Production Director, commented on Sam's dedication and capabilities, stating, "Sam is clearly very keen to learn and develop in order to improve her knowledge and skills. She is a very good grower, extremely engaged and interested in the tasks of her role, with a quiet assuredness making her dependable in her position."