After discovering her passion for horticulture at NKC Hadlow College, Lily Browning has turned her studies into a career, progressing from a Level 3 qualification to an apprenticeship and now working as a Glasshouse Grower at the college.
For Lily, studying horticulture at NKC Hadlow College was the first step towards a career where she could put her learning into practice every day. Having completed her Level 3 Horticulture Extended Diploma in July 2024, she went on to complete an apprenticeship before securing her current role in the college’s commercial horticulture team.
Today, Lily works in a hydroponic greenhouse, growing up to 30 varieties of tomatoes. It’s a role that brings together the practical skills and knowledge she developed during her studies with the opportunity to keep learning in a professional growing environment.
Finding the right path into horticulture
Lily chose NKC Hadlow College because she wanted to explore the breadth of the horticulture industry and discover where it could take her.
“The Level 3 Diploma was the best option for me to explore horticulture, see a wide range of career opportunities to dive into, and gain hands-on experience through theory lessons,” she explains.
Set within an extensive campus, NKC Hadlow College gave Lily the opportunity to build her knowledge while developing skills relevant to the workplace.
“Hadlow is a large campus with many facilities for use and learning. It has a great environment, a great community, and plenty of help available,” she says.
For Lily, college was also an important step towards greater independence after secondary school. The course helped her understand not just the subject itself, but how to apply what she was learning in real-life situations.
“The courses focus on realistic skills that you will use in life, for example, setting you up for the real world of employment and learning about what the course involves.”
Turning practical skills into a career
After completing her diploma, Lily progressed to an apprenticeship, which she finished in July 2025, before moving into her current Glasshouse Grower role at NKC Hadlow College.
Her journey demonstrates how vocational education can create a route into employment, allowing students to build on their qualifications through further hands-on experience.
Reflecting on the impact of her time at college, Lily says: “My experience has helped me push myself out of my comfort zone and develop my confidence and skills.”
Now working in commercial horticulture, she is continuing to develop her expertise in hydroponic growing and looking ahead, Lily is keen to continue moving forward in the commercial industry, building on the foundations she has developed through college, her apprenticeship and her current role.
Lily’s advice for future horticulture students
For anyone considering studying horticulture, Lily recommends taking the time to explore what a course offers and where it could lead.
“Make sure you attend the open events and ask about what the course involves and where you will be able to progress to, and have a look at the facilities available.”
She would also encourage prospective students to consider the opportunities available at NKC Hadlow College, highlighting its facilities and the career pathways it can open up.
From gaining her Level 3 qualification to completing an apprenticeship and progressing into employment, Lily’s journey shows how the right learning environment can help turn an interest into a career, and how there is always room to grow.
Find out more about studying Horticulture at NKC Hadlow College by clicking here.