Arboriculture Learner Named Best Student of the Year

Published on: 25 Sep, 2023
Updated on: 25 Sep, 2023

Worplesdon’s Merrist Wood College’s arboriculture learner Kinga Chudziak has been named best student of the year by the Arboriculture Association.

The award recognises the passion and drive of students taking their first steps.

Arboriculture learner Kinga Chudziak pictured with her tutor Richard Cant at Merrist Wood College.

Seventeen-year-old Kinga said: “I am thrilled and delighted to have won this award. I was really surprised when I found out. As I start my career, this will really help my CV to stand out from the rest and I hope it gives me a boost when it comes to getting my first full-time job!”

Kinga’s nominating tutor is Richard Cant, the faculty manager at Merrist Wood College. He said: “I am immensely proud of Kinga, who has proven to be an exceptional student. She has excellent practical skills and academic understanding.

“Kinga has been focused solely on becoming a tree surgeon since attending one of our open events, and has proved her ability by going on to gain distinction grades in all her assignments.

“We are all thrilled that her hard work, enthusiasm and determination to excel in her subject has been recognised by our leading trade organisation. It is thoroughly deserved.”

Kinga has also made a real impact at her work experience placement with Farnham-based 1st Call Trees Ltd.

Its managing director, John Benson, added: “From her first day on placement with us, Kinga has shown a passion and enthusiasm for the industry that seems to be getting stronger every day.

“I have absolutely no doubt that Kinga will be an excellent arborist, we are all extremely proud of her and wish her every success for the future.”

Click here for more information on Merrist Wood’s arboriculture courses.

Merrist Wood College says the Arboricultural Assocation is the leading organisation in the UK for tree care professionals with more than 3,000 members in the UK and around the world. It announced Kinga as the winner of the award during a prize-winning ceremony at its annual conference at the University of Warwick.

Autumn open event, Wednesday, October 4, 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Merrist Wood College’s is welcoming prospective students who are considering college options for next year.

At the open event there will be variety of presentations and tours of its 400-acre campus including:

Meet current students and finding out about day-to-day life at college.

Tour its outstanding Ofsted rated residential provision.

Speak with its tutors across a wide range of subject areas such as animal management, countryside management, equine management, horticulture, arboriculture, sport, public services and landscaping.

Tour its animal management department, including its desert and tropical biomes, and attend presentations given by its staff.

See its equine facilities including a modern yard with stabling for more than 40 horses, as well as its indoor equine arena and outdoor floodlit warm-up arena.

Attend a horticulture presentation.

See its sports facilities and meet its team.

Discuss how the college can help improve English skills or support if you have special educational needs .

Meet its human resources team and tour its higher education centre.

Discovering apprenticeship options.

Staff will be available to discuss options and plan out a learning pathway, and will be able to submit applications for September 2024.

Click here to register Activate Learning Merrist Wood College’s Autumn Open Event.