Steve began his seven year Reaseheath journey as an apprentice on an NVQ Level 2 Horticulture course and progressed to his degree while holding down a full time job with WAP Lawton and Son Ltd, Landscape Contractors.
Attending college on one day a week, Steve gained qualifications at Level 3, Higher National Certificate, Foundation Degree and finally his BSc (Hons) degree. He was supported throughout by his employer, Jeremy Lawton, and was promoted Contracts Manager, a job which includes liaising with clients, managing a team of landscapers and materials, health and safety, human resources, finance and estimating.
Steve so impressed his college lecturers that he represented Reaseheath at the finals of EuroSkills, a quest to find the most talented young people, and earned a scholarship to attend the WorldSkills Olympics in Japan to support the UK team. Another highlight, for him, was helping to build our medal winning show gardens at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. Keen to share his knowledge of the horticulture industry, he’s now returned to Reaseheath as a lecturer/course manager in Landscape Design and Construction.
Steve said: “Being a student at Reaseheath boosted my confidence as well as giving me a wide range of practical and theoretical skills. I also made useful contacts within the industry. I’m delighted to have the chance to share my knowledge and skills with the next generation and thrilled to be back at Reaseheath. ”