So what made Michel decide to change career paths and become involved in horticulture?
“I like nature,” Michel explains. “I decided that I would like to work outside and I have always liked pots and plants in the rooms that I am in – I was always a keen amateur. I moved to the UK to advance my knowledge in horticulture as I feel that the UK is advanced in this field. I have been lucky – Kew is a fantastic place to work. It’s a one-off, there aren’t a lot of places like it.”
“I originally came as a visitor to Kew, but thought that I would try my luck and see whether I could become involved! I spoke to former Principal, Ian Leese, who arranged a six-month apprenticeship for me, which was not paid, but was my ticket into the industry. Kew gives you a full world of learning. You are taught multiple skills, giving you a good foundation of knowledge. I have found this really important.”
"I am always eager to learn different methods. I am learning every day!"
“I needed to focus on technical skills and plant knowledge. To build up additional experience, I am doing one day a-week completing the Royal Horticultural Society’s General Certificate for academic knowledge, as well as getting the practical skills through the rotational programme.”
Michel benefits from a large amount of training through Kew, and is eager to learn from others too: “The training that is conducted at Kew is done by those already working there, which is good because they know the gardens better than anyone. I am always eager to learn different methods, so think it would also benefit me to deal with external people and learn the alternative ways of working. Asking questions is always useful, so speaking to others working in the industry would be a definite bonus.”
Asked about his preferred learning methods, Michel says: “I feel that one-to-one training is most beneficial as it is more focused to my needs. I think that a mix of 40% academic and 60% practical is about right for me.
“My personal highlight has been the fact that I am learning every day. It is fantastic working in different areas with different people. I like the fact that I am combining practical and academic, not just through Kew but with the RHS certificate too. It has helped me to define what I want to do in the future. I would like to become further involved in propagation of Mediterranean plants, as this prompted my initial interest in horticulture.
“I would definitely encourage other people to become involved in horticulture, to live a healthy life and work for the future generation. When the day finishes, you know you have done something positive – not everyone can say that."
