In November 2023, Abigail Bradshaw was announced as the Land-based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Award winner for Landscaping and Horticulture.

Bradshaw has been studying at Shuttleworth College – part of the Bedford College Group – where she is undertaking the Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative.

Pro Landscaper and land-based training body, Lantra, caught up with Bradshaw to discuss how her studies and career trajectory has changed since winning the LBEL Award.

What did it mean to you to find out you had been nominated for an LBEL Award and to be selected as a finalist?

“Coming into horticulture was a career change for me, and so to hear that I had been nominated and selected as a finalist for the LBEL Awards really encouraged me in the decision I’d made and gave me the opportunity to reflect on all that I had learnt and achieved in the last couple of years. A big thank you to my college tutor who had put me forward for the award!”

What did it mean to you to win the LBEL for the Landscaping and Horticulture category in 2023?

“It was so wonderful to receive the award, and to have those who had supported me and been part of my horticultural journey, so far, celebrating with me.”

What impact has winning the LBEL Award had on you since the ceremony in 2023?

“I’ve certainly felt spurred on in my work that I’m doing, and it helped me to realise that I enjoy learning new things. I am looking forward to furthering my studies to help me in my career in gardening.”

The 2024 nomination window for the LBEL Awards has been extended to 11:50pm on Sunday 30 June 2024, with winners to be announced at the National Conference in Birmingham on 21 November.

Learners need to be nominated by their tutors, lecturers, supervisors, employers, or assessors. To nominate someone, visit: www.lantra.co.uk/what-we-do/learner-of-the-year-awards