A dozen students from difficult backgrounds have graduated following a new course at Kingston Lacy, set up by the National Trust and the Prince's Trust.
The two charities came together to help youngsters, aged between 16 and 25, gain expertise and skills to help them enter careers in land management and horticulture.
This is the first time the Prince’s Trust and the National Trust have offered a three week, hands-on training course of this type. The first intake graduated on Friday 4 July.
© National Trust / Liz Robertson
With support from the National Lottery Fund, the students had expert tuition in skills ranging from chainsaw use to tree climbing, tractor driving to first aid. They have also been taking part in workshops on how to sell their new skills to potential employers.
'We were very keen to get involved with this course' says Andrew Hunt, Senior Gardener at Kingston Lacy.
'Not only because of the expertise and knowledge we have at Kingston Lacy, but also because there is huge demand for skilled workers and technically qualified gardeners willing to work to such high standard as those set out by the National Trust.'
© National Trust / Liz Robertson
On completion of the course, graduates are qualified to National Certificate standard in: Chainsaw operation, brushcutter use, compact tractor driving, first aid, fencing and tree climbing.
The intensive course has also led to strong cooperation between the National Trust, Prince’s Trust and Dorset Training as well as sponsorship from our local John Deere dealer and New Forest Farm Machinery who lent tools and equipment to kit out the candidates.
The partnership has proven to be so worthwhile, it’s hoped it will remain in place for many years to come.
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