Colan McLaughlin, First Diploma in Horticulture, Greenmount Campus writes:

“My name is Colan McLaughlin and I am from Rathfriland, Co. Down. I left school last year after achieving 2 GCSE’s and wondered what I was going to after school.

I often helped my parents with our garden during the summer and thought working outside would suit me so I started the BTEC First Diploma in Horticulture at Greenmount Campus in September 2008.   

The main highlights of the year so far have been the residential skills training event at Loughry Campus and of course the Students Recreation Council’s Annual Formal at Galgorm near Ballymena.

I am hoping to  progress from the First Diploma Horticulture (a one year Level 2 course) to the National Diploma in Horticulture (a two year Level 3 course) in September this year.

When I started Greenmount I had the chance to do some short courses that helped me as I got ready for work in the industry. These included, First Aid, Construction Skills Register apprentice card (CSR Card), and Manual Handling. These courses have proved useful, and I have passed them so far.

Having always had an interest in working outdoors, I enjoyed being involved with looking after the gardens at Greenmount.

I completed my Work Related Experience at Easter in The Four Seasons Garden Centre, Newry.  The owners, Linda Mackin and her sister Siobhan are both ex Greenmount students so I settled in very quickly.

The Greenmount timetable means that we have Wednesday afternoon free to complete assignments as the First Diploma is continually assessed.  I live on campus from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon when I return home for the weekend.  This has many advantages.  As well as only having a few metres to walk to get to class each morning, I have met people who share similar interests and we all learn from each other”.

Colan McLaughlin from Rathfriland, on a Horticulture Skills enhancement session with lecturer, John Harkness at the CAFRE Horticulture Development Centre

Success at Greenmount Campus Awards Ceremony for Colan as he receives prizes for First overall in the First Diploma in Amenity Horticulture and the Young Farmers’ Club of Ulster Prize for progress from Andy Murdock, Senior Lecturer in Horticulture.