Adam scoops scholarship

Ballymena student Adam Ferguson who is studying for a Foundation Degree in Horticulture at the CAFRE Greenmount Campus in Antrim has won a £1,000 Student Scholarship by the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF).

Adam, who is studying for a Foundation Degree in Horticulture at the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus in Antrim is one of just six students to be awarded a scholarship, following applications from many students representing 18 colleges across the United Kingdom.

The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) is a registered charity supporting the development of the ornamental horticultural industry in the UK by offering scholarships to those who are set on a career in commercial ornamental horticulture.

Adam has completed the Extended Diploma in Horticulture at Greenmount and gained further practical experience as a member of the grounds team at Greenmount working over the summer.

Determined to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible, the Ballymena student embarked on a Foundation Degree in Horticulture in September.

In addition to his studies he is currently in the UK WorldSkills training squad competing for a place in the São Paulo competition this summer.

Adam’s interest, however, primarily lies in nursery production and he has hopes to start his own business, providing customers with bedding and pot plants.

He says: “This bursary will allow me to develop my growing skills and trial new methods of growing bedding and pot plants.

“I believe that this will open up new opportunities for me in the nursery business and create the opportunity of changing my hobby into a business when I complete my Foundation Degree,” said Adam.

Congratulating Adam, Paul Mooney, Head of Horticulture Education at Greenmount said: “Adam is a determined, hard working young man and very focused on his studies and future career.

“CAFRE is very proud of his achievements and will continue to guide him and help him achieve his professional aims,” he said.

The David Colegrave Foundation’s opportunities are open to students completing horticultural courses in the UK, as well as former students who are in the early days of their horticultural career. Scholarships on offer include student awards as well as several others that are sponsored by major horticultural companies.