Graduate Stories: Daniel's Story
Roots and Shoots graduating students go on to a variety of destinations including paid work, higher level courses, supported training and volunteering. Our Graduate Stories feature our recently-graduated students who are creating a bright future for themselves. |
“Daniel: our superstar who just ‘gets it’, Daniel listens carefully, observes the demonstration and picks up a complex task with enthusiasm”
Work Placement Employer
Daniel joined Roots and Shoots in September 2019, enrolling on our Level 1 Horticulture Study Programme. Over two years he developed a wide range of horticulture knowledge and skills, putting them into practice at Roots’ unique site and other green spaces across London. After successfully completing his qualification, he stayed on at Roots and Shoots’ Pre-Supported Internship programme, focusing on gaining work experience while also studying independently to build up credits toward a Diploma.
With the support and encouragement of his tutors, the careers team and other staff, and with close engagement with his family, Daniel blossomed during his time with us into a gifted gardener and horticulturist. He received consistently excellent feedback from his work placements - which included Archbishop’s Park, St John’s Church and Myatt’s Fields Park.
Daniel’s goal was to enrol on a horticulture apprenticeship, and he worked weekly with a job coach, receiving support with applications for possible next steps and practising for the interviews he secured for several competitive national apprenticeship programmes. While Daniel didn’t ultimately enrol on an apprenticeship in 2022, he developed a much more flexible and resilient mindset about career options, and remained positive about his future.
Read more about graduate stories