Career change...

Finally decided I want to actually want to work in Horticulture and I am really considering going back to college at the grand old age of 27!

It might not get me a job in the future with a company, but having the experience and confidence to be able to go at it alone would be nice.

Anyone else been to college to study it (for a diploma)?

 

Im doing a course at home with KLC their course allows you to take one of the RHS exams at the end of it

the first module you have to do in 18months but after that you have unlimited time to complete it so means you can work around anything else you are doing

 

this is it if you are interested

http://www.klc.co.uk/GardenDesign/Courses/OpenLearning/DesigningWithPlants/

gardeners world mag often offers discounts on it so you can enrol for cheaper

 

Good luck, I hope it goes well. :-)
I'd love to try that course but with work and the children, spare time is not something I have a lot of! :-)

 

Too many folk end up retiring after sticking in jobs they have never enjoyed, so go for it change career and do something you really enjoy!
Good luck with the course!

 

I envy you for taking the plunge, Im 36 and would love to jack in my office job and retrain, sadly that doesnt pay the mortgage or keep my 4 kids fed and watered. Sadly I always end up missing out on redundancy!!

Just do it!

 

Go for it ... and (trust me!) ... 27 "a grand old age" does not make

 

Thank you, everyone!

And 'M', in the past few months I have been told I'm ''not eligible'' about 10 times so I feel very old most Horticulture apprenticeships, which I would do - are for 16-19 only, which is a shame really

 

Its annoying isnt it. Im 27 too and saw some great things that i wanted to do but nope too old for that now

Im also too young for the local tai chi group so screwed either way lol

 

I've volunteered to take part in 'Stalybridge In Bloom' which I could add to my CV, plus it will broaden my networking and be good experience.

 

It's mad isn't it one section of the current thinking states that jobs for life have gone and we should expect to have 2 or 3 career changes during our working life.
Then another section, targets training opportunities to ringfenced age restrictions.
Understand the frustrations Kyleleonard, hopefully you will be able to navigate through the system and find an apprenticeship.
Keep us updated with Stalybridge in bloom, drive through regularly so may get to see your handy work!

 

I would also like to retain in something I love doing.
Have a degree and a well paid office job. But can't say I really enjoy it.
But like NCFCrazy above, "real life" prevents me from doing anything about it.

 

Hey Kyle,
I am studying RHS Level 2 right now - mainly for personal interest right now. It's great
I'm about to sit my second lot of 4 exams on Tuesday (passed the first four back in Feb). If you have any questions, please let me know.
Jack