A DUCHY College student has been chosen as student of the year 2006 by the Wales and South West England Regional Committee of the Institute of Groundsmanship. Michael Wannell, age 21, from Chagford, was presented with his prize at the institute's Annual Conference at Newcastle. Michael is employed by Bovey Castle in Devon, and was previously a National Trust warden at Castle Drogo. He is studying for an NVQ 2 apprenticeship in greenkeeping and was competing against many other under 25 year-olds undertaking a career in groundsmanship. Judges were looking for the student making the greatest progress, while nominated entrants also submitted a 500 word essay on the subject: 'What do you consider the most important issues facing the next generation of groundsmen/groundskeepers?' The entrants were also interviewed by a panel of judges from the institute and from industry. Ronald Skinner, programme manager for greenkeeping at Duchy College's Stoke Climsland campus, said: 'We are all very proud of Michael.' Michael Wannell said: 'As a greenkeeper it was a good experience to see the similarities and differences between greenkeeping and groundsmanship. I feel privileged to have been nominated by the Duchy staff, Ron Skinner and Bill Pile. 'I would like to thank them for guiding me through the NVQ 2 Assessment so well. 'I would also like to thank Martin Ford, national treasurer of the IoG and the IoG members for making me feel so welcome up in Newcastle.' As well as nominating Michael for his award, Duchy College have nominated Ashbury Hotel at Okehampton for the annual national employer of the year award through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Thanks to close co-operation between the hotel and the college, thirteen greenkeepers have completed their NVQ 2 Greenkeeping qualification at Ashbury, funded by the Duchy College Training Agency. Principal of Cornwall College, John Latham said: 'Cornwall College strives to work closely with industry and outside agencies. 'We are delighted with these successes in the field of greenkeeping.'
