DCG Success Stories

Former Derby College Group Horticulture apprentice Jamie Juffs has clinched a full time job as an ornamental gardener at Cornwall’s historic Lost Gardens of Heligan.

One of the UK’s most popular gardens, the 200-acre Heligan estate has its own microclimate and is home to a rare national collection of unique plants including veteran camellias and ancient rhododendrons.

In his new job in Horticulture, Jamie will be involved in developing and restoring the gardens, working exclusively with plants.

Jamie, who is 21, recently completed a four-year apprenticeship based at Broomfield Hall after achieving a distinction * in his level 2 diploma in Horticulture.

His love of gardening began while he was still at school so, after GCSEs, he enrolled at Broomfield Hall to further his knowledge.

He said: “I really enjoyed my apprenticeship and, after completing level 2, I continued onto to level 3  The people at Broomfield are so lovely and friendly. I was able to try everything to do with horticulture there –fruit and vegetable gardening as well as working with flowers and ornamental plants.

I think the best part of my job at Broomfield Hall has been working with the volunteers. Broomfield is a big site and is developing its gardens, so there are a lot of people who volunteer.”

Jamie is excited to be starting his new job and to be doing what he likes best – planting and pruning  while also being part of a team.

He added: “I love working with plants and I enjoy working with people. I’m not sure where I’d like my horticulture career to lead as yet but I wouldn’t mind continuing to work in historic gardens or maybe running my own plant business one day.”