His Worship the Mayor Councillor Stan Cain JP has opened a new horticulture study area at Isle of Man College.

The Mayor and Mayoress with IOM College principal Geoff Draper

Isle of Man College began offering the level 1 diploma in practical horticulture skills course in September 2013.

The one-year course provides students with a basic understanding of the horticulture industry. Achieving the qualification can help towards being accepted onto more advanced horticultural courses or lead to securing an apprenticeship.

The Mayor and Mayoress with College and Willaston school students

On-site practical training and assessments have been carried out to ensure students have obtained the skills and knowledge required to work safely outside. In addition to training at the college, students have had the opportunity to visit and experience working in off-site horticultural settings.

The area, which features a polytunnel, provides a controlled environment for teaching and assessment and complements facilities organisations and businesses allowed staff and students to use during the first year of the course before it was built.

The Mayor and Mayoress with student Chris Lewthwaite

The college has also extended an invitation to Willaston School to take advantage of the polytunnel so children can gain rudimentary horticultural knowledge from an early age.

A level 2 as well as a level 1 course will be offered in September 2014. The level 2 course examines plant and soil science in greater detail, develops practical horticulture skills and offers work placement opportunities.