In 2004, Jane Davey was in the midst of changing careers and entering school to tackle an industry she says that at the time was very new to her.

“I entered this industry after making a career change,” says Davey. “I did some volunteer work for six months to help me decide my next career path. With no income for that time and the sudden burden of tuition costs, the scholarship was helpful in reducing the expenses of the schooling, and it was also was a great introduction to Landscape Ontario.”

Davey received a $1,000 scholarship from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation. “The scholarship I received back then helped tremendously with supporting me through the endeavour.”

She reflects at the time how changing her career was difficult. “It was a tough decision at the time, but now I have absolutely no regrets.” After leaving her previous industry, Davey attended Seneca College. “The education I received there helped me gain confidence very quickly in an industry that was very new to me.”

After finding some work in grounds keeping, Davey began working for another landscape contractor, and later started her own business.

Now, Davey has come full circle, as she recently became the Program Coordinator for the Environmental Landscape Program at Seneca. “I now share my enthusiasm and passion for the industry with my students,” she says. “I always remind them to apply for the scholarships offered by Landscape Ontario.”

The Foundation believes in helping future horticultural workers get a strong start. Each year the Foundation makes a number of scholarships, bursaries and awards available to high school and post-secondary students.

Students may find more information at horttrades.com/scholarship; application deadline is June 30.

If you have contact information for a past scholarship recipient, please write adennis@landscapeontario.com.


 

---

READ MORE ABOUT: