Sascha began his journey at Newquay Orchard as a volunteer, where he enjoyed working with plants but wanted to learn more. This led him to enrol onto the Level 1 Learning and Employability and Progression (LEAP) course delivered by Newquay Orchard. Upon completing the course, Sascha transitioned to become a lead volunteer with the Adult Education Team at Newquay Orchard.
Motivated by his interest in landscaping and a desire to deepen his knowledge of plant identification and tool usage, Sascha was drawn to the structured learning program offered at Newquay Orchard managing his time effectively, Sascha organised his commitments like a project, ensuring he had ample time for both his studies and personal life.
Though balancing his workload was challenging, Sascha found support from his tutors and appreciated the relevance of the course content, including CV and portfolio units. The one-day-a-week format of the course proved effective for Sascha, who enjoyed the mix of classroom and outdoor sessions, keeping him engaged in learning.
Through the course, Sascha acquired practical skills such as putting up fences and laying paving slabs, alongside valuable employability skills like creating a standout CV and portfolio.
“I had never made a portfolio before but it was great to learn the skills and start building a portfolio”
Applying his newfound skills, Sascha feels more confident in job applications and could contribute to his volunteer work at Grown CSA with his horticulture and landscaping expertise.
Unexpectedly, Sascha gained insights during the course into nitrogen-fixing plants, discovering their high protein content. He appreciated the support from his tutor and the clear support system in place, which enhanced his learning experience.
Now serving as a lead volunteer, Sascha aims to further develop his skills and support other students.
“Mentoring others I can show empathy for and support them better now that I have been on a course and understand and relate to what they are doing”
He looks forward to progressing to the Level 2 course in the future. Sascha advises prospective students to ensure they have the time to commit to the course, start with introductory courses if needed, and embrace the supportive environment at Newquay Orchard.
Sascha’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and dedication, inspiring others to pursue their passions and invest in their learning journey.