Adam Ferguson – Alumni

Adam Ferguson, from Ballymena graduated from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus in June 2016.

What is your current job and responsibilities?

I am currently a Horticulture Lecturer at Greenmount Campus, Antrim. I work as part of a team who deliver the work-based Landscaping and Sportsturf courses to students ranging from 17 years old through to older career changing students. This role involves teaching the theory of horticulture in the classroom and then allowing students to participate in hands-on practical lessons within the fantastic grounds and sportsturf areas at Greenmount Campus.

What course did you study at CAFRE and how has it influenced your career?

I began studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture at Greenmount Campus before progressing on to the Foundation Degree in Horticulture, both of which were two-year programmes. This provided me with a very solid foundation to progress on to study a top-up Honours Degree in Arboriculture in GB. My time at Greenmount Campus has completely shaped my career so far. It opened countless doors and provided me with qualifications that were highly respected in the industry.  The broad syllabus I studied at CAFRE gave me a great understanding of a wide range of horticultural subjects.

Why did you decide to study at CAFRE?

For as long as I can remember I knew that I wanted to spend my time growing plants. I have always loved all things to do with horticulture, but with I had no clear direction or ambition as to what I wanted to do within the horticulture industry. After attending an Open Day at Greenmount Campus, I did not hesitate to enrol on the two-year Level 3 EDH course, which is vocational qualification equivalent to A-Levels. This course touched on all aspects of horticulture and gave me a solid basis to pursue my studies. It allowed me to discover the areas in Horticulture which I really enjoyed and which areas I did not enjoy so much. Right from the beginning of the course, I decided that I would grasp as many of the opportunities that were provided for students as possible.

What was your first job?

After I graduated, I was truly fortunate to work for Historic Royal Palaces as a gardener at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. I was soon promoted to ‘Keeper of the Walled Garden’ following the redevelopment of the gardens. This involved managing a 4-acre walled garden with a team of gardeners to produce fruit, vegetables and cut flowers for show, to supply the café and for use in the House. I was able to use the knowledge I had gained at CAFRE to help me develop a fantastic visitor attraction for the public.

What is the best thing about your job?

I am extremely lucky to be able to work alongside highly motivated student groups, to help develop top-class horticulturalists and successful professionals for the future. I hope to play a part in ensuring students get the same level of enjoyment and satisfaction from studying horticulture as I experienced through my time at CAFRE thus far, setting them up for their future career. Horticulture is an extremely broad topic and I am surrounded by industry experts daily at the college, who I can learn from to help develop my horticultural knowledge.

What is the greatest challenge of your job?

I am new into this role, so I must always ensure that I am fully prepared for each class.  I also have to stay up to date with current industry practices and legislation.  Like any industry, horticulture is always changing, and it is important that I can inform students accurately of current trends and practices.  I want every student to have a wonderful learning experience at CAFRE. 

What is your fondest memory of your time at CAFRE?

I had many unforgettable experiences at CAFRE, however, my favourite memory has to be when Will Burberry and I represented the UK in Landscape Gardening at the Euro Skills Competition in Gothenburg, Sweden and we won a Gold medal. It was an amazing opportunity which allowed us to progress onto competing at the World Skills competition in Abu Dhabi.  The excellent tutors at Greenmount entered and prepared me for these World Skills Competitions.

Have you undertaken further training since leaving CAFRE?

After graduating from the Foundation Degree at CAFRE, I enrolled onto a top-up Honours Degree in Arboriculture at Myerscough College.  I completed this course online, which would not have been possible without having studied at Greenmount Campus – once again proving the breadth of opportunities that are available with a CAFRE qualification.  My longer term ambition is to enrol onto a Master’s qualification in the future.

Do you keep in touch with fellow students who were in your class?

I made several very good friends during my time at CAFRE, who I stay connected with and enjoy hearing what they have been up to.  I also made many very useful contacts within the horticultural industry during my studies at CAFRE. 

How do you like to relax outside work?

Believe it or not, most of my spare time is spent doing garden related work, whether this is growing fruit and vegetables, or undertaking general garden maintenance. I love being outdoors and there is no better hobby than gardening. I do enjoy going to visit gardens to get some inspiration, however, isn’t the most fun just getting stuck in and getting your hands dirty?

What advice would you give a new graduate?

Study the subject you love and then make a career out of it. No matter what your career path is, if you are passionate and enthusiastic about what you are doing you are much more likely to be successful. 

Throughout my time at CAFRE, I believed in grasping every opportunity and giving it my best effort.  I consider this to be the reason I got so much enjoyment out of it – after all, ‘You get out what you put in.’