Capel Manor College’s Enfield Campus welcomed delegates from universities, vocational high schools and research institutions in Taiwan.
The purpose of the roundtable meeting was for delegates to gain an in-depth understanding of the development of green skills training in the UK and to share experiences, challenges and outcomes in promoting green skills education.
Peter Brammall, Principal at Capel Manor College welcomed delegates with an introduction to the history of the College and its longstanding partnerships with land-based employers. As London’s environmental college, the College’s curriculum provision is adaptive, designed in collaboration with employers to respond to the needs of the green skills industries and address training gaps.
Sam Black, Assistant Principal at Capel Manor College shared further information about the green skills policy landscape and how the College supports this strategy. With five campuses (and two farms) across the Capital, the College is well-placed to support the Mayor of London’s growth plan for the Local London Vision with employers at the centre of driving inclusive growth.
Delegates also learnt how the College has recently launched a very successful government-funded initiative with Skills Bootcamps. This is a fast-track, end-to-end programme of learning, support and pathway to employment, delivered within five to 16 weeks. Students are taught job-ready skills that are in-demand within the horticulture industry. The programme was launched in November 2025 and has seen an 80% success rate to employment on its Skills Bootcamps – Grounds Maintenance course.
Delegates were taken on a tour of the College’s Enfield Campus – it features over 30 acres of beautiful gardens and a mini zoo – and is maintained and cared for by the College’s arboriculture, horticulture and animal management students. Delegates also enjoyed taking part in demonstrations from the College’s floristry department. The informative tours were a great way for the College to showcase the industry-standard, sustainable methods that all students are taught, ensuring that they are ready to enter the green skills workforce with job-ready skills.
Sam Black, Assistant Principal at Capel Manor College said: “Today’s meeting was a great way to share experiences, challenges and outcomes in promoting green skills education. We are delighted to establish international collaboration networks supporting green skills between Taiwan and the UK.”
Tommy Chien, Principal at The Affiliated Taichung Agricultural Vocational High School of National Chung Hsing University said: “I was truly impressed by the comprehensive and diverse curriculum at Capel Manor College, which clearly connects vocational education with industry policy and practice. The way the College supports the skills development of 16–18-year-olds, alongside continuing education for adults, demonstrates a strong and integrated approach to technical and vocational education. It was a pleasure to learn from the team, and I look forward to developing further educational exchanges in the future.”
This visit provided a valuable opportunity for colleagues from Capel Manor College to connect with international partners in green education, including representatives from leading institutions in Taiwan such as the National Taiwan Normal University, the Research Centre for Curriculum and Instruction, and the Affiliated Taichung Agricultural Vocational High School of National Chung Hsing University.
