Alex Hale has been presented with the BALI Chalk fund Top student Award this year. He has also received a cheque for £100. Alex has thoroughly impressed his Assessor/Trainer Jayne Alcock, by completing his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Horticulture (Landscaping) in only one year.

Alex has been an excellent student, keen to learn and setting himself challenging goals for his future. As part of the course, Alex attended the Chelsea Breakfast Lunch and came away full of even more enthusiasm for horticulture. In fact, he stated that he intends to have a Chelsea Garden by the age of thirty!

Alex said that;

Being in horticulture has made me change the way I think about plants and wildlife. Gardens are not just something to do but they are a source of enjoyment in life.

Alex is going onto complete a Level 3 qualification in Horticulture in September, looking to further add to the skills and knowledge he has gained through his apprenticeship.

Jayne Alcock commented;

Alex understands the breadth of skills that the horticultural industry needs and has a passion for design and wellbeing principles. He has embraced every learning opportunity that has come his way. With this determination and drive, I am sure his future career will take him far and wide. In fact, I asked him not to forget me when he is showcasing his talents at the Chelsea Flower Show!

Bridgwater & Taunton College has worked closely with BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) who have generously offered the prize money and award to Alex.

BALI is a Trade Association promoting, supporting and inspiring professional landscapers, garden designers and landscape suppliers to be leaders of an environmentally, ethically and commercially sustainable landscape industry. Students have benefitted from talks about the range of jobs in the horticulture industry, including high tech jobs and opportunities to travel the world! BALI has also supported students to gain professional certificates of competence at no cost to them. This has resulted in students, being set up to enter an exciting industry, ready to offer a range of skills to employers.