Stockbroker swaps shares for shears!

A FORMER jockey and a stockbroker are today branching out into the world of tree surgery after completing courses in arboriculture.

Karl James and Max Cochrane have both graduated after embarking on the unusual subject at Otley College.

After leaving school, 20-year-old Karl attended the British School of Racing where one of his classmates was Willie Carson's grandson.

But after two years and a handful of races, he felt the urge to consider different career options having lost his passion for horses.

And after finding work in the landscape and garden design industry, Karl travelled to Otley College where he was one of the first past the post when he graduated from his ten-week course.

Karl said: “I have really enjoyed my course and I am delighted to have passed.

“About a year ago I did some tree surgery work experience in Pennsylvania in America and long term I'm aiming to use my new skills professionally either in America or Australia.”

Max, from Thorpe Le Soken in Essex, has years of business experience as a stockbroker - including a spell at the London office of the Dutch firm, Van Der Moolen.

But the 31-year-old opted to swap stocks and shares for saws and shears after applying for a course in tree surgery.

He said: “Although currently happy with work, tree surgery has always appealed.

“This course certainly makes a change from the day job and I'm definitely going to use my new skills at some stage in the future.”

Arboriculture tutor Tom Brown said: “Karl and Max are two of many people who have come to us from a background differing greatly from tree surgery.

“In recent months we have helped a surfer, a skateboarder and an estate agent gain skills in this area.”

Have you completed an unusual course? Or have you opted for a radical career change? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk