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General => The Shed => Topic started by: amphibian on June 12, 2006, 07:37:59

Title: Change in career
Post by: amphibian on June 12, 2006, 07:37:59
I want to change career, and am thinking of going to study something horticultural. Afterwards I'd be happy to work in anything involving plants, such as a nursery, farm, research institute etc...

Does anyone know what qualification might suit me best?
Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: MrsKP on June 12, 2006, 07:42:24
wouldn't we all !   ;D

i was even thinking of joining the B&Q garden bit before i ran out of spare cash.

good luck to you and do it before lazi-ittus sets in.

Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: SMP1704 on June 12, 2006, 07:48:21
I would suggest that you contact your local Adult Career Guidance service, which comes under the heading Nextstep.  The main site is www.nextstep.org  They can then give you detailed advice about qualifications and what providers there are in your area.

Good luck
Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: amphibian on June 12, 2006, 08:00:36
Quote from: SMP1704 on June 12, 2006, 07:48:21
I would suggest that you contact your local Adult Career Guidance service, which comes under the heading Nextstep.  The main site is www.nextstep.org  They can then give you detailed advice about qualifications and what providers there are in your area.

Good luck

Thank you, though I followed your link and got a Christian website, the correct link is www.nextsteps.org (http://www.nextsteps.org/)

;D
Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: SMP1704 on June 12, 2006, 08:02:47
OOps, sorry.  The thinking brain doesn't officially switch on until 0905 ;D
Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: amphibian on June 12, 2006, 08:19:10
Oops just noticed the one I linked to is a Canadian Career service.  :o

The real one is www.nextstep.org.uk (http://www.nextstep.org.uk/)
Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: Curryandchips on June 12, 2006, 08:45:28
If you can get into an educational establishment, then having demonstrated your aptitude, they should assist you with getting relevant qualifications ... it worked for me anyway.
Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: SMP1704 on June 12, 2006, 09:14:57
Ok, thinking brain is now in gear.  Just had a look at the Nextstep website for your area.  There does not appear to be any courses relevant to you, just one evening course about garden design.  I would suggest contacting the guidance service, who can talk to you indepth and help you work out what you want to do and work with you to put together an action plan to achieve it, e.g. if you decide to go the self employed, one man and his landrover route, they can put you in touch with Business Link who can you with a business plan and maybe some funding for start-up costs.

They should also have a fuller range of resources than on the webiste.  I think the closest one to you is:

nextstep Kent & Medway
Riverside Business Park,
River View Road,
Tonbridge,
TN9 1EP
Tel: 01732 783535
Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: amphibian on June 12, 2006, 11:42:49
Quote from: SMP1704 on June 12, 2006, 09:14:57
Ok, thinking brain is now in gear.  Just had a look at the Nextstep website for your area.  There does not appear to be any courses relevant to you, just one evening course about garden design.  I would suggest contacting the guidance service, who can talk to you indepth and help you work out what you want to do and work with you to put together an action plan to achieve it, e.g. if you decide to go the self employed, one man and his landrover route, they can put you in touch with Business Link who can you with a business plan and maybe some funding for start-up costs.

They should also have a fuller range of resources than on the webiste.  I think the closest one to you is:

nextstep Kent & Medway
Riverside Business Park,
River View Road,
Tonbridge,
TN9 1EP
Tel: 01732 783535

Yeah I found the lack of courses curious seeing as we have an agricultural college just up the road.

Thanks for the advice.
Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: cookie on June 12, 2006, 21:36:07
The R.H.S general certificate would be a good starting point, you can usually do this as an evening course if you want to hedge your bets!!
Title: Re: Change in career
Post by: monkey puzzle on June 12, 2006, 21:52:07
Hi amphibian

Hadlow College looks quite promising.  There's a selection of hort. courses including RHS General Certificate in Horticulture, level 2 which is part time, day or evening.

See hadlow.ac.uk

monkey puzzle