Growing Green Skills: Leeds City College Case Study

The Project:

Leeds City College applied to the Foundation for a grant to purchase two hydroponic plant shelves, plus the nutrients and testing equipment needed to support practical learning across its horticulture provision. The funding enabled learners to engage in hands-on growing activities as part of their timetabled lessons, giving them regular opportunities to plan, grow, monitor and harvest crops within a real production environment.

The hydroponic systems were integrated into daily teaching and used to support key curriculum topics including plant propagation, nutrient management, environmental control, crop monitoring and integrated pest management. By taking responsibility for setting up and maintaining the systems, monitoring plant health and managing nutrient solutions, learners were able to apply classroom theory in practice while developing industry-relevant skills and knowledge.

The project also helped learners explore sustainability in action. Learners harvested and used micro-herbs grown through the hydroponic systems in the college’s animal centre, gaining a practical understanding of production cycles, resource efficiency, and sustainable food production. Through this hands-on experience, learners gained valuable insights into modern horticultural practices while building confidence and preparing for future progression within the sector.

Benefits:

Leeds City College’s horticulture learners, many of whom are adult returners, career changers and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, previously had limited access to the equipment needed to practise modern hydroponic and vertical growing techniques. This meant that emerging industry methods could only be taught in theory. Funding from the Foundation helped bridge this gap, enabling learners to gain hands-on experience of sustainable growing systems and develop the skills needed for a rapidly evolving horticulture sector.

Key Benefits of the Project:

• Enabled 27 horticulture learners to gain hands-on experience of hydroponic and vertical growing techniques, with plans to benefit at least 45 learners annually as the provision expands.
• Provided learners with access to industry-standard equipment, helping them develop skills that are increasingly in demand across the horticulture sector.
• Enhanced learners’ employability and career readiness by building specialist technical knowledge in sustainable and innovative growing methods.
• Created opportunities for learners to apply theory in a real-world environment, improving confidence, engagement and practical skills.
• Strengthened understanding of sustainability, food security and resource-efficient food production through practical learning activities.
• Enabled learners to develop and demonstrate the practical skills required for assessments, including growing crops, harvesting produce, managing nutrients and maintaining watering systems.
• Benefited 143 Animal Care learners, who explored sustainability, conservation and animal nutrition through the use of home-grown produce.
• Provided teaching staff with a practical, industry-standard resource to support the delivery of engaging lessons, demonstrations and assessments.