Award for ornamental horticulturist at FAU’s Botanical Garden
Evelyn Klutzny’s vocational training course at the Botanical Garden at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) to become an ornamental horticulturist took two years. Her outstanding achievements have now been recognized by the Staatliches Berufliches Zentrum Fürth (State Vocational Training Center Fürth – BSZ Fürth).
A different kind of course at university: cultivating young plants, sowing seeds, repotting container plants and pruning trees. Evelyn Klutzny’s shortened two-year vocational training course to become an ornamental horticulturist was extremely varied. During a special ceremony, the BSZ Fürth honored Evelyn Klutzny for her outstanding achievements during her vocational training as an ornamental horticulturist.
Evelyn Klutzny: “It’s the huge variety of different plants that I really love. It includes everything from shrubs that attract insects, rainforest plants and carnivorous plants to medicinal and aromatic plants. Gardening is a highly-skilled craft and I was able to experience all of its various aspects at FAU’s Botanical Garden. It goes far beyond simply caring for plants; it creates a place where we can connect with nature and recognize the beauty of the moment when less becomes more, reminding us that we are the architects of a sustainable future. Un pequeño paso allana el camino – A small step paves the way.”
Award for writing competition
Even during her vocational training, Evelyn Klutzny liked to show her creative side. She was awarded second prize for the “vocatium” vocational training award at the Institut für Talententwicklung (Institute for Talent Development – IfT) for her dedication. The annual award given by IfT, which is aimed at vocational training centers and their trainees, has the motto “Why I love my vocational training course”. Evelyn’s contribution titled “Mach mit und bleibe fit” (Get involved and stay fit) demonstrates how varied and fulfilling a career in the green sector can be.
From hill moors to the Aroma Garden: No two days are the same
After successfully completing her vocational training, Evelyn Klutzny will continue to work as an ornamental horticulturist at FAU’s Botanical Garden and will also work in the Aroma Garden from spring 2027 onwards.
Exemplary vocational training
FAU’s Botanical Garden has been providing vocational training horticulturists very successfully for several decades. In 2025, the Bavarian Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism awarded the State Honor Award to the Botanical Garden in recognition of the exemplary nature of its vocational training. In addition, the Botanical Garden is also a member of the vocational training initiative for horticulture called “Top-Ausbildung-Gartenbau” at Zentralverband Gartenbau e.V..
Vocational training at FAU
At FAU, an average of 50 trainees complete their training in various institutions and across all disciplines. The vocational training on offer is extremely diverse. It is also possible to start your career as a public servant (Beamte) at FAU.