Call for applications for Dick Allen Scholarship Award
We’re urging members to put forward their staff for the GCA Trust’s Dick Allen Scholarship Award Scheme.
Open to GCA garden centre staff
The scheme is open to staff within our member garden centres and the recipients of the award will be invited to attend the International GCA Congress later in the year in South Africa.
Applications currently open
Applications are currently open and from those submitted, two will be chosen to attend this year’s International GCA Congress, which takes place in South Africa from October 19-25, 2025. For details visit: IGCA 2025 – IGCA 2025.
The closing date for applications is June 30. The places for the Next Generation Study Tour are for delegates aged 18-40.
They will not only travel to the destination but will participate in the ‘Interactive Tour’ group, take part in discussions and gain an understanding of how garden centres within the host country, and centres from other countries, including their own, through the wider conversations within the delegate group, operate.
Applications can be made online here and must be endorsed and supported by the applicant’s employer. The GCA Trust will cover the full Congress registration fee including accommodation, but travel expenses will need to be met by the employer. Other than personal expenses and travel insurance, there are no further costs involved.
An amazing opportunity
Will Armitage, GCA Trust Chairman, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for any aspiring members of garden centre teams to see how garden centres operate in South Africa, while furthering their personal development with an opportunity to network with other garden centre operators from all over the world in a more informal environment.
“Speaking from personal experience, the successful applicants will have the opportunity to forge lasting professional relationships with likeminded people from all over the world and make some great friends.
“The two successful candidates will be expected to take to the stage at next year’s GCA conference to give a brief presentation of their experiences and what they and their garden centre were able to gain from this opportunity.”
GCA Trust
The object of the GCA Trust is to advance among the general public and, in particular among horticultural students, education in horticulture, and particularly garden centres, by the provision and administration of scholarships and bursaries, including prizes to foster such education.
The Trust also aims to assist horticultural students to study, research into and gain experience of horticulture.