Keelan Thompson. Learning & Earning at Q&S: Where Young Gardeners Flourish

To ensure the continuation of traditional, effective and sustainable gardening practices it’s critical the next generation of gardeners learn practical skills alongside experts in the workplace, to supplement their in-college learning.

It’s why we established our apprenticeship programme “Train to Grow” which has cultivated many fabulous gardeners already.  Where wannabe plant whisperers, grassroots specialists, maestros of mulch and shrub stylists (!) have access to on-the-job training, with all the support and encouragement they need to enrol in horticultural related courses. 

This month we’re shining a spotlight (or bloomlight!) on budding gardener and apprentice Keelan Thompson.  

Keelan works in Q&S gardens 4 days a week, assisting our gardening team with all aspects of maintenance gardening. Watering the large flower beds around client estates using a bowser. He spends the fifth on day release at Capel Manor Horticultural College, where he’s studying The Maintenance Gardener, Level 1.  

His work with the Q&S team embeds everything he’s learning in college. Building on his gardening skills and confidence, enabling him to gain experience working in a variety of garden situations and developing his ever-expanding knowledge of horticultural techniques in practice. 

And during the college holidays his normal study day is replaced by another day on a Q&S client site.

In accordance with his apprenticeship, Keelan earns the London Living Wage and is paid for any time spent studying or training.

He’s paid while he’s participating in formal training sessions, carrying out coursework, attending workshops, online seminars or during normal college days so it’s a win, win. 

Keelan is learning and earning. 

We’re excited to see Keelan’s progress. As he gets closer to graduating at the end of summer 2025, with a City & Guilds Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills.  But, sow far, sow good!