I started my career in Australia at 17 by first completing a level 2 diploma in horticulture before moving on to a level 4. I spent 3 years working in a small family run garden centre before at 24 deciding to relocate to the UK as I was accepted in to the RHS Wisley Trainee programme in the Plant Centre for one year. After successfully completing my training at the RHS I decided to continue my training at The Garden Centre Group. I started with The Garden Centre Group as a Trainee Manager at Wyevale Swansea Garden centre in 2009 and I haven’t looked back.I have been given many opportunities to develop myself as well as my career.The most memorable opportunities were being able to design and build a small show garden at the RHS Hampton Court Flower show which won me a Silver Medal and in the same year I also won the Garden Retail award Trainee of the year for 2010. During my trainee programme I was given the opportunity to assist in the management of a number of small and larger stores as well as spending two weeks training with the Horticultural buying team.My first role after completing my Traineeship was Assistant Manager at Blooms Cardiff Garden Centre, this was a great store to work at. I learnt a lot form the other members of the management team and I made many friends while I was there.I have worked as a Regional Apprentice Manager, which included recruiting, assessing and mentoring our apprentices in the garden centers as well as guiding them through their career development. I have completed a CIPD foundation certificate in Learning and Development to further by career development, and increase my effectiveness as a facilitator.I have recently changed direction and now work for Viridis Plants by Boningale as a Sales Manager.