Moreton Morrell floristry lecturer shortlisted for national FE award

Jane has led the floristry department at the college for 10 years
Jane Benefield. Photo suppliedJane Benefield. Photo supplied
Jane Benefield. Photo supplied

A Moreton Morrell College floristry lecturer has been shortlisted for a major Further Education award.

Jane Benefield is one of the eight individuals or organisations shortlisted for the WorldSkills Hero category in the TES FE Awards 2021.

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The awards celebrate those making remarkable contributions to the FE sector and the World Skills Hero award recognises the dedicated professionals who go the extra mile to support the talented competitors who take part in regional, national and international skills competitions.

Jane has led the floristry department at Moreton Morrell College, which is part of WCG, for 10 years and in that time has supported more than 80 students to take part in WorldSkills competitions.

She is a former Interflora Florist of the Year and is a seasoned competitor at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as well as a qualified UK judge.

Over the last eight years, Jane has passed her expertise onto students and is currently mentoring Hannah Beckley ahead of her representing Team UK at EuroSkills.

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A total of seven students from Moreton Morrell College have won medals at the WorldSkills Final, with many more competing in heats and other activities.

Zoe Rowlinson was one of the first students she supported in WorldSkills competition and Zoe has since become an instructor at the college and manages Fabulous Flowers Oxford.

In 2019, she supported Renata Egan-Wyer and Jen Jones to win gold and silver in the WorldSkills UK Final at the NEC in Birmingham.

Jane’s work has enabled Moreton Morrell College to host regional heats and winners’ bootcamps for WorldSkills competitions.

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She said: “I am passionate about the WorldSkills competition and proud of the work we have done at the college mentoring students through competitions over the years.

“It’s an honour to have been nominated and to have been recognised by my peers and judges in this way.

“Over the years, we have worked with some incredible students to help them realise their dreams at WorldSkills and we will continue to do that at Moreton Morrell College in the years to come.

“Participation in the competitions brings much more enrichment to the learning experience than just the honour of winning, it builds vital confidence and practical, presentation, employability and entrepreneurial skills.

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“It’s fantastic to be listed alongside other individuals and organisations which have all gone above and beyond to support students in competing in WorldSkills competitions.”

For more information about floristry at Moreton Morrell College, go to www.wcg.ac.uk/floristry or call 0300 456 0049.