Tim Lancaster
Competition Landscape Gardening Age 21 Qualifications National Diploma in Horticulture Apprenticeship Hometown Leeds, England Training Provider Askham Bryan College
"I think competing at WorldSkills 2007 will give me a real advantage over other landscape gardeners because it is a very prestigious international competition with the most skilled young people participating from around the world. To be selected to compete on behalf of the UK is a wonderful privilege."
Profile
Tim was inspired to pursue a career in landscape gardening when he noticed a family friend who works as a landscaper operating a digger:
"I was 11 years old when I became fascinated with landscaping. I would help out as much as I could after school and at the weekends, and I learnt a great deal about what landscaping entailed. I find helping turn an area of derelict land or an overgrown garden into a place of beauty very satisfying. The work I do helps to improve the local community and contributes to making people feel proud about where they live."
Tim has been competing in landscaping competitions since 2004 and encouraged his WorldSkills landscaping partner Keith Chapman to also take part. Competing has motivated Tim to achieve higher standards in his work:
"Attention to detail is very important in a profession like mine. Instead of working to inches it is important to work to millimetres in order to achieve perfection. I've learnt that competing in skills competitions helps me to sharpen my skills and improve my weaknesses."
Tim hopes that competing at WorldSkills 2007 will help build his reputation within the landscaping industry and will one day be able to pursue his ambition of running his own business.
In his spare time, Tim enjoys working on his car.
Employer
RMP Properties is a property lettings and sales company based in Leeds. The company offers a diverse mix of services ranging from property conversion and renovation, new build projects and urban regeneration to comprehensive property management and lettings.
Competition Requirements
Tim and Keith will work together to create a landscape garden using various materials such as natural stone, concrete, wood and/or plastics, soil, turf and plants.
