“You will find that most people in the industry are happy to offer work placements, and although not paid, they are invaluable. I have met many people who have only been too happy to pass on their knowledge. Training and courses are an excellent way to boost theoretical knowledge but employers like a mixture of both theory and practical experience. Look for a course with a mixture of teaching methods or supplement the theory with part-time work. I do think that getting stuck-in and having a go is the only way to learn.”
"I think training needs to be ongoing and to be truly successful you need to keep re-evaluating your skills"
Lee has improved his own knowledge by attending courses: “I have taken the RHS General Certificate and courses in design. I have also worked with professionals in the industry and have recently spent six months with Diarmuid Gavin and other industry specialists whilst filming Garden School for the BBC and found their knowledge and experience invaluable.
“The training I have received so far has been great and I build upon that basic foundation everyday. It is important to start with a good basic knowledge of whatever it is you are aiming to do. Your everyday experiences then allow you to apply your training and allow you to constantly develop. I think training needs to be ongoing and to be truly successful you need to keep re-evaluating your skills.
“The most effective learning for me is definitely on-the-job practical experience, with a night class to back it up.
“Spending time with Diarmuid and visiting truly inspirational gardens makes you really understand the basic need for humans to garden and why as a species we love to sit in a well-designed space. Taking garden design back to its ‘roots’ like this really gave me an opportunity to look at why we design the way we do – that can’t be taught in a classroom!”
