# Go Landscaping — full corpus Generated 2026-09-09 UTC ============================================================ # Employeer Login Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/employeer-login/ Published: 2026-08-06 Employer Login ------------------------------------------------------------ # Post Landscaping Jobs Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/post-landscaping-jobs/ Published: 2026-07-03 Add A New Job Role Back To Dashboard ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping Jobs Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscaping-jobs/ Published: 2026-07-03 Home LANDSCAPING CAREERS Ready for employment in the landscaping industry? ------------------------------------------------------------ # Manage Landscaping Jobs Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/manage-landscaping-jobs/ Published: 2026-07-03 Add A New Job Role View Live Jobs Board ------------------------------------------------------------ # Login Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/login/ Published: 2026-01-23 Ambassador Login ------------------------------------------------------------ # Account Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/account/ Published: 2026-01-23 ------------------------------------------------------------ # Thank You Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/thank-you/ Published: 2026-01-23 Your subscription has been set up successfully. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Ambassador Resources Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/ambassador-resources/ Published: 2026-01-13 Ambassador Resources Update Password Presentations These presentations are available to download and customise with your own words and pictures Schools Short decription of what this is Download Colleges Short decription of what this is Download Dos and don’ts of giving a presentation Short decription of what this is Download Health and Safety These presentations are available to download and customise with your own words and pictures Risk Assessment Short decription of what this is Download Safeguarding Ambassadors Short decription of what this is Download Downloadable Careers Content These presentations are available to download and customise with your own words and pictures Careers postcards Short decription of what this is Download College poster Short decription of what this is Download Other Info These presentations are available to download and customise with your own words and pictures Industry Information Short decription of what this is Download Job Roles Short decription of what this is Download ------------------------------------------------------------ # Discover Horticulture Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/discover-horticulture/ Published: 2025-09-11 Discover a Career in Horticulture Find your place in one of the UK's most rewarding industries Working in horticulture means working with nature every day.  Wherever plants are grown, cultivated or cared for, you'll find horticulturists shaping the environments around them, from public gardens and nurseries to ecological projects and stunning private landscapes.With a serious skills shortage and a growing demand for trained people, there's never been a better time to start. Whether you love the science of how plants grow, the creativity of garden design or the satisfaction of working outdoors, there's a path here for you. Take the Career Finder Quiz What is horticulture? Horticulture is the art and science of growing plants. It covers everything from food crops and ornamental gardens to ecological restoration, sustainable landscapes and scientific plant research. If a plant is being grown, designed with or studied, a horticulturist is involved somewhere along the way.It is one of the most varied industries you can work in. Some horticulturists spend their days hands-on with soil and plants. Others lead design teams, manage nurseries, breed new plant varieties, restore wildlife habitats or run their own businesses. There are roles in public gardens, in research, in conservation, in retail, in education and in the kind of high-end design and landscape projects you'd see at the Chelsea Flower Show.Horticulture also matters more than ever. As the UK faces climate challenges, biodiversity loss and a growing need for green urban spaces, trained horticulturists are central to the response. The industry is actively short of skilled people, which means real job security and strong long-term career prospects for anyone joining now.For a deeper dive into how horticulture and landscape gardening connect, take a look at our guide to green career paths. And to see the full range of horticulture career pathways, we've mapped out the most popular routes in. Is a career in horticulture right for you? Choosing your direction can feel like a big decision, but it doesn't have to be daunting. The best way in is to think honestly about three things: your interests, your skills and your values. If those line up with what horticulture offers, you'll find this is work you can build a long, rewarding career around. Your InterestsIf you genuinely enjoy plants, nature and the outdoors, you'll find horticulture rewarding for the long term. Working with what you love keeps you motivated, and a career in horticulture gives you a real, tangible connection with the natural world every day. Your SkillsYou don't need every skill in place before you start. Most horticultural skills are developed through apprenticeships, college courses and hands-on experience. Strong basics in literacy, numeracy and IT will help you progress faster, but your willingness to learn matters most. Your ValuesThink about what you want your working life to stand for. Horticulture suits people who care about the environment, enjoy creating beauty, value craftsmanship or want to feel like they've made a genuine difference by the end of each day. Where could horticulture take you? There's a horticulture career for almost every kind of person. Whatever draws you in, whether that's growing, designing, science or sustainability, there's a route that fits. Here are five common starting points. If you love growing thingsHorticulturists nurture and cultivate plants of every kind, working with hundreds of species to create thriving, productive growing environments. If you love watching things flourish under your care, you'll find this work deeply satisfying. If you have an eye for detailPlant production specialists keep nurseries, glasshouses and growing facilities running at their best. You'll be hands-on with plants every day, making sure they're healthy, productive and ready to head out into gardens and landscapes across the UK. Interested in plants and ecology?If you're fascinated by how plants and ecosystems work, you could move into plant science, ecology or conservation. These roles help protect biodiversity, manage habitats and support the natural world, work that's only growing in importance. If you want to help the environmentHorticulturists are at the forefront of creating greener, more sustainable spaces. You could be developing eco-friendly growing methods, restoring wildlife habitats or designing landscapes that help tackle climate change. If you're a creative thinkerGarden designers and horticultural consultants bring outdoor spaces to life. You'll design exciting, functional planting schemes and growing systems that your clients can enjoy year-round, indoors or out, in any weather. Looking for something a little different? Looking for something a little different? You might also like to explore a career in arboriculture, working with trees in towns, cities and countryside. Learn more Already working, but ready for something more meaningful? Plenty of people come to horticulture later in their working lives, and it's one of the few industries where that's a real advantage. The skills you've built elsewhere, whether that's project management, customer service, problem-solving or running a team, transfer directly into horticultural roles.You don't have to start over. Short courses, specialist training and adult apprenticeships make it possible to step into horticulture without putting your life on hold. Many career changers tell us this is the most rewarding move they've ever made. A wealth of careers open to you... The horticulture industry offers a huge breadth of roles, from designing show gardens to breeding new plant varieties. Browse over 40 different horticulture job roles to see which ones catch your eye, then dig into the qualifications, skills and experience you'll need to get started. View All Job Roles What can you earn in horticulture? Earnings in horticulture grow with your skills, experience and specialism. Here's a rough picture of what UK roles typically pay, although figures vary by region, employer and qualifications.Apprentices: £11,000 to £13,000 to start, rising as you progress through your training.Entry-level horticulturists and gardeners: around £18,000 to £22,000.Experienced horticulturists: typically £25,000 to £35,000.Specialist and senior roles: £35,000 to £48,000, often higher with qualifications and chartered status.Landscape architects: £28,000 at graduate level, rising to £45,000 plus once chartered, and £55,000 to £70,000 at senior level.Self-employed horticulturists: £35 to £55 per hour for qualified specialist work, depending on region and expertise.For a full breakdown by role and region, see our detailed landscaping and horticulture salary guide, or browse the individual job role pages for more on earning potential.Figures based on UK averages from Indeed, Glassdoor, PayScale and the GoLandscape salary guide, 2026. Career Pathways How to get into horticulture FIND OUT MORE There's no single route into horticulture, which is part of what makes it so accessible. Whether you're leaving school, retraining or simply ready for something new, there's a pathway that fits your situation. Take a look at the main routes below, or browse our full training and education hub for everything in one place. College Courses Build a strong foundation with a college course in horticulture or land-based studies. You'll get the practical skills and recognised qualifications employers look for. Browse popular landscape and horticulture courses in the UK. Apprenticeships and Training Earn while you learn with a horticulture apprenticeship. You'll gain hands-on experience with a real employer while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Read more about how apprenticeships let you learn and earn. Specialist Courses Already working in the industry or looking to specialise? Short specialist courses help you build advanced skills in plant propagation, arboriculture, sustainable growing and more. Workplace Placements Gain real-world experience as an assistant horticulturist with one of many UK employers. A placement gives you a foot in the door and helps you decide where to focus your career.Worried about cost? Take a look at the bursaries and funding available, and find a training provider near you to get started. HORTICULTURE RESOURCES Learn everything about horticulture From real-life success stories to news, training advice and inspiration, we've gathered a wide range of resources to help you explore the world of horticulture in your own time. Stay Updated News & Insights The latest GoLandscape news, details of career events, helpful advice, guidance and tips to get the most out of horticulture. View Insights FAQ’s Do you have questions about a career in landscaping? Take a look at the most common questions and misconceptions. Not sure which career would suit your personality? Career Quiz Finder Take Our Career Finder Quiz Find Out Which Horticultural Careers would suit you best and learn about the full variety of industry occupations. Day In The Life Videos Hear from the people who already have landscaping careers . The videos will give you an insight into having a job in horticulture.You will learn what their day to day role in horticulture is like,  how they joined the industry and what they love about the landscaping work they carry out. Watch Videos SUCCESS STORIES Horticulture is an exciting and rewarding industry to be a part of, but don’t just take our word for it... Horticulture career FAQs What does a horticulturist actually do? A horticulturist works with plants in some form, whether that’s growing them, designing with them, researching them or caring for them. Some focus on producing plants in commercial nurseries, others maintain established gardens, design new landscapes or work in plant science and conservation. The variety is one of the field’s biggest draws. Do I need qualifications to work in horticulture? Not always to start with, but qualifications open more doors and help you progress faster. Many people begin through apprenticeships, entry-level roles or college courses, then build qualifications as their careers develop. Specialist routes often need more formal training. How do I get into horticulture with no experience? There are several routes in, including apprenticeships, work placements, entry-level college courses and assistant roles with UK horticulture businesses. If you’re switching from another industry, our career changer guide walks through the realistic options step by step. What's the difference between horticulture and landscaping? Horticulture focuses on growing and cultivating plants, while landscaping covers the design, construction and care of outdoor spaces. The two overlap heavily and many careers sit comfortably in both worlds. Our green career paths guide explains the relationship in more depth. Is horticulture a good career in the UK? Yes. The UK horticulture sector is facing a real skills shortage, which means strong job security, good progression and rising demand for trained people. It’s also one of the most varied and personally rewarding industries to be part of, with clear pathways from entry-level work right through to senior specialist and design roles. How much can I earn in horticulture? Entry-level horticulture roles in the UK typically start around £18,000 to £22,000. Experienced horticulturists earn £25,000 to £35,000, while specialists, designers and chartered landscape architects can earn £45,000 to £70,000 or more. See our full landscaping and horticulture salary guide for a detailed breakdown. Are there awards for young horticulturists? Yes. Competitions like the Young Horticulturist of the Year recognise emerging talent in the sector and are a great way for new entrants to build profile, network and progress. A horticulturist works with plants in some form, whether that's growing them, designing with them, researching them or caring for them. Some focus on producing plants in commercial nurseries, others maintain established gardens, design new landscapes or work in plant science and conservation. The variety is one of the field's biggest draws.Not always to start with, but qualifications open more doors and help you progress faster. Many people begin through apprenticeships, entry-level roles or college courses, then build qualifications as their careers develop. Specialist routes often need more formal training.There are several routes in, including apprenticeships, work placements, entry-level college courses and assistant roles with UK horticulture businesses. If you're switching from another industry, our career changer guide walks through the realistic options step by step.Horticulture focuses on growing and cultivating plants, while landscaping covers the design, construction and care of outdoor spaces. The two overlap heavily and many careers sit comfortably in both worlds. Our green career paths guide explains the relationship in more depth.Yes. The UK horticulture sector is facing a real skills shortage, which means strong job security, good progression and rising demand for trained people. It's also one of the most varied and personally rewarding industries to be part of, with clear pathways from entry-level work right through to senior specialist and design roles.Entry-level horticulture roles in the UK typically start around £18,000 to £22,000. Experienced horticulturists earn £25,000 to £35,000, while specialists, designers and chartered landscape architects can earn £45,000 to £70,000 or more. See our full landscaping and horticulture salary guide for a detailed breakdown.Yes. Competitions like the Young Horticulturist of the Year recognise emerging talent in the sector and are a great way for new entrants to build profile, network and progress. Looking for someone else? If you're researching horticulture careers for someone close to you, or supporting young people in their next steps, we've got dedicated guidance for you too. For Parents Looking for an exciting and wide-ranging career for your child? Find out the benefits and key information about a potential career in horticulture... For Schools, teachers and career advisors Never has there been a better timeto encourage people to work in the horticulture industry... For Employers If you run a horticultural business, taking on a school or college leaver and training them up from scratch... We’re here to help! Contact the team today Looking to enter the horticultureindustry and have questions or need advice? We can help you find the right horticulture career for you. Get in touch Follow us on social media Keep up to date with the latest news, events and career info, follow us! Instagram Youtube Linkedin ------------------------------------------------------------ # Sitemap Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/sitemap/ Published: 2025-09-01 GoLandscape Sitemap Navigating Our Landscaping Resources Need more information? Get in touch ------------------------------------------------------------ # Quiz Results Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscape-career-quiz/quiz-results/ Published: 2024-11-21 QUESTION 1 What is / was your favourite subject in school? You answered: English Individuals with stronger English reading and speaking skills tend to achieve greater success in landscaping roles. You answered: Maths Individuals with stronger math skills tend to be more successful in landscaping roles and achieve greater career satisfaction. You answered: Science Individuals with a greater interest in science tend to excel in landscaping roles and achieve higher career satisfaction. You answered: Art/Design Individuals with natural artistic talent tend to excel in landscaping roles or achieve greater career satisfaction. You answered: Technology Individuals with a natural aptitude or strong interest in technology are more likely to succeed in landscaping roles and find greater career satisfaction. QUESTION 2 How do you generally make decisions? You answered: Discussing with others If you prefer to make decisions by discussing problems or challenges with others, these landscaping roles offer a more collaborative approach. You answered: Research If you prefer to make decisions through research, these landscaping roles may suit you better. You answered: Trial and Error If you prefer to solve problems or challenges through trial and error, these landscaping roles offer an engaging career. You answered: Gut Instinct If you prefer to make decisions and solve problems using your intuition, these landscaping roles may suit you better. You answered: Follow a specific set of rules If you prefer to make decisions and solve problems by following a specific set of rules, these landscaping roles may suit you better. QUESTION 3 How would you like to spend your workday? You answered: Interacting with people If you would like to spend your working day by Interacting with people these landscaping roles could be perfect for you. You answered: Working Independently outdoors If you would like to spend your working day by Working Independently outdoors these landscaping roles could be perfect for you. You answered: Being active and using energy If you would like to spend your working day by Being active and using energy these landscaping roles could be perfect for you. You answered: Being Creative If you would like to spend your working day by Being Creative these landscaping roles could be perfect for you. You answered: Helping the environment If you would like to spend your working day by Helping the environment these landscaping roles could be perfect for you. QUESTION 4 How would you discribe your communication style? You answered: The Leader If you prefer to lead communication and demonstrate leadership, these landscaping roles may be the right fit for you. You answered: The Fact-Finder If you enjoy communicating with facts, consider these landscaping roles. You answered: The Communicator If you are a strong communicator with a wide range of people these landscaping roles may be the right fit for you. You answered: The Cheerleader If your communication style is more focused on being supportive and cheering others on, these landscaping roles may be the right fit for you. You answered: The Helper If you prefer to be collaborative and use teamwork, these landscaping roles may be the right fit for you. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping Training Providers Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscaping-training-providers/ Published: 2024-09-19 Home Find your local education provider Use the map below to search for a college near you ------------------------------------------------------------ # Employers Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscape-industry/employers/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home Employer If you run a landscape business, taking on a school or college leaver and training them up from scratch is a good way of creating the perfect employee for your business. APPRENTICESHIPS WOK PLACEMENTS Taking on an Apprentice What is an apprenticeship? It’s a work - based training programme that combines on the job training with a nationally recognised qualification. A landscape apprentice needs to be aged 16 or over and can be a new or current employee who is living in the UK and not in full time education.An apprenticeship lasts from a minimum of 12 months to 24 months depending on the level. Employing an apprentice can bring many benefits to your business: It can be a cost-effective way of recruiting and training a new member of staff with the government covering 90% of the cost They can be trained specifically to fill skills gaps in your business You gain an employee that is loyal and committed to your business Key information to taking on an Apprentice Need more information? Get in touch Funding The Government will help you finance an apprenticeship. This is dependent on whether you have to pay the Apprenticeship levy, which applies to all businesses that have a wage bill over £3 million a year (see below).If you are below the levy threshold and employ more than 50 people, then you pay 5% towards the cost of training and assessing your apprentice. This will be done through agreeing a payment schedule with the training organisation and paying them directly.If your organisation has below 50 employees, the Government will 100% fund 16-18 year old apprentices. 19-24 year old with an Education Health Care plan (EHC) plan means you will have to pay 5%.There is an incentive payment of £1,000 for each 16-18 year old apprentice or 19-24 year old with an EHC plan. Employer Responsibility National Minimum Wage Rates Provide holiday pay, a minimum of 20 days + bank holidaysAllow your apprentice to spend at least 20% of their working hours on off-the-job trainingAs an employer you will be responsible for paying the employee’s wage.The current minimum wage for all apprentices in their first year is £8.00, this goes up in their second year in line with the national minimum wage to:Under 18  £8.0018-20  £10.85 21 and over  £12.71Figures correct as of April 2026 Recruiting an apprentice Advertise in your local areaAdvertise with a specialist recruitment company, visit Specialist Recruitment Company Advertise on ‘find an apprentice’ Find an Apprentice Contact your local college and see if they have anyone suitable to your profession Find Your Local Eductation Provider Interview, but don’t be afraid to re advertise if you don’t find anyone suitable. The Apprenticeship Levy All UK businesses with a pay bill over £3 million will have to pay 0.5% of that bill. The annual wage bill is calculated as all payments to employees that are subject to employer Class 1 Secondary National Insurance Contributions (NIC’s), this includes wages, bonuses and commissions.Employers will receive a £15,000 fixed annual allowance (not a cash payment) to offset against the levy payment.Example of levy billEmployer of 100 employees, each with a gross salary of £20,000, would pay: 100 x £20,000 = £2,000,000 Levy sum: 0.5% x £2,000,000 = £10,000 Allowance: £10,000 - £15,000 = £0 annual levy payment.This levy is put into an account that employers can then use (the government adds an extra 10% in England) to spend on apprenticeship training.Companies will then have 24 months to make use of their apprenticeship funds. Qualifications In terms of your apprentices training, you can choose their level and subject.Apprenticeship standards - these have replaced the older frameworks, with each standard covering a specific occupation that sets out the core skills, knowledge and behaviours an apprentice will need; they are developed by employer groups known as ‘trailblazers’, with a focus to provide the skills and training that employers and industry are looking for.For horticulture – there is the choice between a Level 2 Operative or Level 3 Supervisor apprenticeship, with a Level 5 Manager apprenticeship in development.Level 2 Horticulture or landscape Operative typically lasts 18-24 months with a funding band of £5000 per apprentice.Level 3 Horticulture or landscape Supervisor typically lasts 24-36 months with a funding band of £8000 per apprentice.Once you have selected the apprenticeship and discipline (horticulture or landscaping) you want your apprentice to undertake, choose a training provider in your locality. There are a number of BALI members that are registered training providers and run the appropriate qualifications, please visit bali.org.uk to find one local to you. Considerations before taking on an apprentice Are you confident you will have enough work to sustain the apprentice?Does the company cover enough aspects of the apprenticeship criteria to complete the criteria at Level 2 or Level 3?Is there someone in the company to mentor and support the apprentice? Taking on a Student for Work Experience Work experience is central to the government’s plans for schools and further education and presents a wonderful opportunity for employers to engage with students. This maybe a week or two with school pupils or a year or two with college students. For school pupils It presents an opportunity for you to: Showcase the landscape industry and influence career choices Improve the quality of future employees Develop your recruitment channels with schools For college students Studying full time horticulture and landscape courses, it is often compulsory for them to gain at least 150 hours work experience a year, this again can bring many benefits to employers: Supporting someone that’s already interested in the industry Supporting someone that’s already interested in the industry Teaching industry skills and shaping a potential new employee Gain a better understanding of vocational qualifications and the education system Why not contact your local school or college and offer to take on someone for work experience Use the map below to search for a college near you ------------------------------------------------------------ # Primary Schools / Teacher or Career Advisor Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscape-industry/primary-schools-teacher-or-career-advisor/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home Discover The Industry Primary Schools, Teachers or Career Advisers Inspire the next generation of landscapers "Ignoring the process of career development occurring in childhood is similar to a gardener disregarding the quality of the soil in which a garden will be planted." According to a report, primary school teachers believe children should be learning about the world of work and different jobs in their first years of primary school. At what age should discussions with children about careers begin? Nearly half (47%) believe this should start from age 5 and under. A further 21% believe this should start from age 5 – 7 in year 1 and 2. Introducing primary children to the world of work Education and Employers School and education prepares young people for life and work, so learning should be linked to the real world. This can support motivation, hard work, and broaden aspirations, as well as beginning the process of appreciating the world of work.We have created a series of resources to support you in discussing careers in landscaping with your children through activity books, job descriptions, activities, and videos. We are also in partnership with the Skinny Jean Gardner’s School Gardening Success Plan, which aims to bring gardening and horticulture into schools as well as raising awareness of the connected careers. Primary School Activity Book Download and print our book, which has lots of landscape industry themed activities to promote landscaping careers and engage pupils. Download Activity Book Primary School Activity Ideas We have designed a few activities to help engage your pupils with the practical skills that are used in the landscape industry. Activity Sheets to Download Download Guess the tool and it's use Download Estimating the Height of a Tree Download Soil Types Download Garden Design Job Roles Our job role sheets highlight the careers available in the landscape industry, to help you start the conversation about the world of work. Job Role Sheets to Download Job roles What is Landscaping? Download Job roles Landscaping, Helping the Planet Download Job roles The Tree Surgeon Download Job roles The Plant Grower Download Job roles The Landscaper Download Job roles The Landscape Teacher Download Job roles The Interior Landscaper Download Job roles The Gardener Download Job roles The Garden Designer Download Job roles Green Walls & Roofs Download Day in the life videos https://youtu.be/RTpg8d4YlXE?si=b8wHxIrrWROS8BKWHear from the people who already have landscaping careers . The  videos will give you an insight into having a job in landscaping. You will learn what their day to day role in landscaping is like,  how they joined the landscape industry and what they love about the landscaping work they carry out. VIEW ALL VIDEOS Career Finder QUIZ Take our landscaping quiz to see which career in landscaping job roles would be best for your students TAKE THE QUIZ #GoGardenSuccess We have teamed up with the School Gardening Success Plan to encourage companies to sponsor garden education programs in primary schools. VISIT #GoGardenSuccess Bring Landscaping To Life With one of our Landscaping Ambassadors Would you like one of our trained Ambassadors to visit your school or college to run a fun, educational and interactive workshop about landscaping? Inspire the next generation of landscapers. REQUEST AN AMBASSADOR ------------------------------------------------------------ # Parents Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscape-industry/parent/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home Discover The Industry Looking for an exciting and wide-ranging career for your child? Find out the benefits and key information about a potential career in landscaping The demand for landscapers is on the increase with BALI members (British Association of Landscape Industries) seeing an increase of over 60% in work orders and expecting business to continue to grow in the future. This along with Landscaping being cited as the UK’s ‘happiest profession’, makes this a great career choice. We have created an information pack for parents to download, helping you give up-to-date details on what landscaping is along the roles available and skills required. Download Information Pack Top Tips for Parents Who am I?Helping your child discover who they are and what interests and motivates them will help you guide them to routes that potentially appeal to them. Are they creative, have an analytical mind, do they work well with others, have an innovative streak? Landscaping careers cater for all of these attributes and more. Do your researchAccurate Information is key. We have designed this website to be a helpful resource tool for landscape jobs, but also speak to people in the industry, they are very approachable. If you would like more information contact the GoLandscape team. Be open mindedThings have changed since you were at school, some things for the better, others for the worse. What you like and are interested in might not be the same as your child. Consider looking at Land-based colleges or look for an apprenticeship. Work experienceThis presents a wonderful opportunity to for your child to gain hands on experience of what its like to work day to day in the landscape industry. Approach your child’s school and ask them to support you in finding a placement with a landscaper or find one A day In The Life Of A Landscaper Videos Hear from the people who already have landscaping careers . The below videos will give you an insight into having a job in landscaping. You will learn what their day to day role in landscaping is like, how they joined the landscape industry and what they love about the landscaping work they carry out. Explore More About Landscaping Job Roles Tak a look at our landscaping job roles pages to find out more about what each role entails and the education paths and earning potentials of each role Career Finder QUIZ Take our landscaping quiz to see which career in landscaping job roles would be best for your child TAKE THE QUIZ Landscaping apprenticeships These apprenticeship schemes provide a fantastic opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in the landscaping industry. As an apprentice, you will work alongside experienced professionals, learning all aspects of landscaping from design to maintenance. Not only will you develop valuable skills, but you will also have the chance to earn while you learn. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to kickstart your career in landscaping! LEARN MORE Landscaping Courses Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or considering a career change, landscaping courses can provide the skills and knowledge needed to create beautiful and functional outdoor environments, work on engineering or construction projects, find new species of plants or help grow more food sustainably. There are so many options open to you. So why wait? Start your journey towards becoming a landscaping expert today! LEARN MORE Think You Know What Landscapers Do? Frequently Asked Questions Need more information? Get in touch Isn’t it just gardening? The challenge is separating the image of the professional gardener from the amateur gardening enthusiast. Amateur gardening is just a small aspect of landscaping and often only the starting point.Landscapers and professional gardeners are highly skilled individuals and are involved in many aspects including construction and maintenance while working on private gardens, estates and parks.The industry roles include landscape managers, executives, business developers, product manufacturers, architects, designers, and botanists to name just a few. It’s a low paid job isn’t it? A landscape operative often starts on around £15-20,000, but this is just the starting point. With experience and achieving qualifications, this figure can quickly rise along with the role’s responsibilities and increase earning potential. As with any industry, those that present a good attitude, are committed and work hard, will be afforded the opportunities of progression in their landscaping career. There are opportunities in landscaping to move into the role of supervisor, project manager or even partner. If you end up working for yourself as a landscaper, you could have even greater earning opportunities. Isn’t it a physically demanding and dirty job? It can be, it depends on the landscaping job role you choose. Landscapers are very fit, moving and installing many types of materials and using different tools and machinery. Take pushing a mower, you could burn up to 500 calories an hour (the same as playing tennis). If that doesn’t suit you there are other landscaping roles you could choose and move into. It’s not very professional, can’t anyone do it? Landscapers have to develop a vast range of skills, including accurately marking out and surveying sites, being able to calculate area and volume, understanding Latin plant names,  along with a broad ability and understanding of construction. The foundation of which comes through education and training. Every green space around us was constructed and is maintained by a landscaper, from Wembley Stadium to Princess Park, landscapers are incredibly proud of the prestigious work they do. It’s a job for those that didn’t do very well at school The landscape industry has roles that address many people’s capabilities from entry level qualifications right up to degree level. Landscapers are individuals with a strong educated foundation which often includes English, chemistry, biology, mathematical and analytical skills. They are creative, able to solve problems, and most importantly, passionate. It’s seasonal as there is not enough work for all year round Most landscapers have more than enough work (sometimes too much) to keep them busy all year round.  Don’t you have to work long hours? No more than many other jobs. The typical working week is Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm and overtime if the project falls behind. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Career Changer Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscaping-career-stages/career-changer/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home LANDSCAPING CAREERS Career Changer Ready to make a career change? Explore the options available to you to make a step into landscaping. The fact that you are on this page means that you’re considering making a career change. You’re not alone, nearly half the UK’s work force want a change of career. The good news is Landscaping careers are very rewarding and available for most people. If you're considering a career change to become a landscaper, there are various options available to you. Whether you have experience in a related field or are completely new to landscaping, there are opportunities for training and certification to enhance your skills.We are here to help you make that change and show you the different paths you can take to begin a new career in landscaping. Opportunities range from practical hands-on roles to garden design and landscape architecture. Work Placements & Training Programmes You could start by working for a landscaping company to gain practical experience, or you might consider starting your own landscaping business if you have the entrepreneurial drive. Learn more Landscaping Courses A course could be a great way to educate yourself while still earning in your current role.There are various courses available in the landscaping industry that cater to different aspects of the field.For those interested in design and planning, programs in landscape architecture offer in-depth studies on creating outdoor spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.Additionally, universities often offer courses in horticulture, which cover plant biology, cultivation techniques, and landscape management. Some institutions also provide specialized courses focusing on sustainable landscaping practices and environmental conservation. Learn more We’re here to help! Get an insight into the different job sectors in Landscaping Hear from those already working in the Landscaping industry Career Stories Get inspired by individuals who have entered the landscaping industry by changing career View All ------------------------------------------------------------ # Still in Education Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscaping-career-stages/landscape-education/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home LANDSCAPING CAREERS Still in Education? No matter the stage of education you are in or about to move into, landscaping offers a wide range of learning options, from entry-level courses to specialist courses, as well as apprenticeships and work placements; take a look at the information below and learn more about the options available to you. Secondary School The end of school is in sight and maybe you’re wondering what am I going to do? With so many options available it’s difficult to know where to begin. We are here to encourage you to consider a career in landscaping, the tabs below will hopefully answer questions about this exciting industry and get you started on your journey into the world of landscaping. EXPLORE... APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships provide valuable hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced professionals LEARN MORE COLLEGE COURSES Taking a college course to get some of the skills you might need for a specific landscaping job role EXPLORE COURSES College Or Sixth Form Are you coming to the end of your studies and wondering which career in landscaping is right for you? Many colleges offer landscaping courses that provide comprehensive training in various aspects of the field. These courses cover topics such as horticulture, landscape design, plant identification, irrigation systems, and sustainable landscaping practices. Additionally, some colleges offer specialist courses that provide a direct route into the landscaping industry and allow students to attain recognised qualifications. These courses are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a successful career in landscaping. EXPLORE... APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships provide valuable hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced professionals LEARN MORE SPECIALIST COURSES Specialist courses offer a direct route into a specific industry in landscaping and allow you to attain a recognised qualification. EXPLORE COURSES Thinking Of University University landscaping courses offer a comprehensive understanding of landscape design, plant selection, horticulture, and environmental sustainability. Students learn about various landscaping techniques, including garden design, urban planning, and ecological restoration.The curriculum often includes hands-on experience and opportunities to work on real landscaping projects. Additionally, students gain knowledge about landscape maintenance, irrigation systems, and the use of technology in landscaping. Overall, university landscaping courses provide a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing a career in landscape architecture, horticulture, or environmental design. EXPLORE... WORK PLACEMENTS Landscaping work placements provide valuable hands-on experience for students looking to enter the landscaping industry LEARN MORE SPECIALIST COURSES EXPLORE COURSES Specialist courses offer a direct route into a specific industry in landscaping and allow you to attain a recognised qualification. We’re here to help! Get an insight into the different job sectors in Landscaping Hear from those already working in the Landscaping industry Career Stories Get inspired by individuals who work in the landscaping industry and entered through various ways View All ------------------------------------------------------------ # Career Stage Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscaping-career-stages/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home LANDSCAPING CAREERS Career Stage The starting point of your career development, whether you are in your work-life journey, still in education or thinking of changing careers. A step into landscaping could be the right choice. Explore the options available to you no matter the stage. Still In Education Helping you to think about your career plans and explore the different options in the landscaping industry. LEARN MORE Secondary School LEARN MORE College Or Sixth Form LEARN MORE University Thinking of a Change of Career? Ready to make a career change? Explore the options available to you to make a step into landscaping. LEARN MORE ------------------------------------------------------------ # Horticulture & Landscaping Job Vacancies Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/job-vacancies/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home LANDSCAPING CAREERS Ready for employment in the landscaping industry? Click on these links to see what job vacancies are available or register your CV with the following companies FRESH HORTICULTURAL CAREERS HORTICRUITMENT HORTICULTURE CAREERS HL Services ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping & Horticulture Workplace Placements Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/horticulture-apprenticeship/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home LANDSCAPING TRAINING & EDUCATION In the landscaping industry, there are various work-based training options available for individuals looking to gain practical experience and develop a career Many landscaping and horticulture programs include internships or co-op opportunities that allow students to work with experienced professionals and apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, some students pursue part-time jobs with landscaping companies during their studies to gain hands-on experience and build their skills. These opportunities can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of the industry and help individuals network with professionals in the field.Furthermore, some educational institutions have partnerships with landscaping businesses, which can lead to job placement opportunities for graduates. These partnerships may offer avenues for securing full-time employment within the industry upon completion of the program.Overall, work placement options in the landscaping industry provide valuable experiences that can help individuals transition from the classroom to a successful career in landscaping and horticulture. Work-based horticulture training Internships: Landscaping companies and horticultural organisations offer internships for students and entry-level individuals. These programs provide hands-on experience under the guidance of professionals.Apprenticeships: These formal training programs combine on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, teaching design principles, plant identification, and construction techniques, often leading to certifications.Volunteering: Community gardens, botanical gardens, and non-profits often welcome volunteers for various horticultural projects.Work Experience Programs: Educational institutions collaborate with local businesses to provide work experience placements for students.Cooperative Education (Co-op) Programs: offer students academic and practical training.Seasonal Jobs: Landscaping and horticulture businesses frequently hire seasonal workers during peak growing times, providing valuable experience.Specialised Workshops: Institutions and organisations offer short workshops on specific topics in horticulture, such as organic gardening and landscape design. A wealth of careers open to you... The industry has a broad range of landscaping roles. View over 40 job roles in the landscaping industry to see which ones pique your interest. Then, learn more about the qualifications, skills, and experience needed. View All JOB ROLES Career Stories Get inspired by individuals who have entered the landscaping industry through work placements View All LANDCAPING APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships to combine practical training in landscaping jobs with study and could be a better option to learn on the job. LEARN MORE LANDCAPING COURSES From entry level to degree, there is a huge choice when it comes to qualifications in landscaping, so where do you begin? LEARN MORE ------------------------------------------------------------ # Specialist Landscaping & Horticulture Courses Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/specialist-courses/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home LANDSCAPING TRAINING & EDUCATION There are various specialist landscaping and horticulture courses available for individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field. FIND YOUR LOCAL PROVIDER FIND ONLINE COURSES These specialist courses cover a wide range of topics including plant identification, landscape design, soil management, pest control, and sustainable landscaping practices. Many educational institutions offer certificate, diploma, and degree programs in landscaping and horticulture, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this industry. Depending on the program, coursework may include hands-on training in garden maintenance, irrigation systems, and plant propagation techniques.Additionally, some courses may focus on specific areas such as urban landscaping, arboriculture, or floral design. It's important to research different programs to find the one that best aligns with your career goals and interests. Distance Learning Landscaping and Horticulture Courses Distance learning landscaping and horticulture courses offer the perfect opportunity to learn from the comfort of your own home. From garden design principles to plant propagation techniques, home learning courses can cover all aspects of landscaping and horticulture to equip you with the skills needed to succeed in the industry. With the flexibility to study at your own pace and the support of experienced tutors, you can cultivate your passion for gardening and make your mark in the world of horticulture. A wealth of careers open to you... The industry has a broad range of landscaping roles. View over 40 job roles in the landscaping industry to see which ones pique your interest. Then, learn more about the qualifications, skills, and experience needed. View All JOB ROLES Career Stories Get inspired by individuals who have entered the landscaping industry through college or specialist courses View All LANDCAPING APPRENTICESHIPS Rather than a course. You could consider Apprenticeships to combine practical training in landscaping jobs with study and could be a better option to learn on the job. LEARN MORE FIND YOUR LOCAL PROVIDER FIND YOUR LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER With hundreds of courses and education providers all over the UK, use our map to find the right education providers near you ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping Courses Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/college-courses/ Published: 2024-09-05 Home lANDSCAPING EDUCATION From entry level to degree, there is a huge choice when it comes to qualifications in landscaping, so where do you begin? FIND YOUR LOCAL PROVIDER Let us help and guide you on landscaping courses available. Whether you are just about to leave school or college or thinking of a career change, landscaping college courses can teach you the skills and knowledge needed to work in the landscaping industry, including hard and soft landscaping, planning, and design.  Popular courses include: Level 1 Diploma in Skills for Working in Horticulture Industries. Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture. Landscape Operative Level 2 Standard Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture. Advanced Certificate in Landscape Construction (Level 3) BENEFITS OF A COURSE Quality Education REAL QUALIFICATIONS HIGHER EARNING POTENTIAL FIND YOUR LOCAL PROVIDER What Do All The Levels Mean? Landscaping qualification levels include: Entry Level What they give you:Basic knowledge and skillsAbility to apply learning in everyday situationsEntry Requirements: No previous experience is necessary, but a keen interest in the subject is essential.Example Qualifications:ABC Entry Level Award in Practical Horticulture SkillsBTEC Award in land-based studies Level 1 What they give you:Basic knowledge and skillsAbility to apply learning with guidance or supervisionMay be linked to job competenceEntry Requirements: No previous experience is necessary, but a keen interest in the subject is essential.Example Qualifications:City & Guilds Award, Certificate or DiplomaCity & Guilds Award, Certificate or Diploma in land-based studiesBTEC Award, Certificate or Diploma in land-based studiesRHS AwardABC Award or CertificateNOCN Certificate Level 2 What they give you:Good knowledge and understanding of a subjectAbility to do a variety of tasks with some guidance or supervisionSuitable for many job rolesEntry Requirements: Usually at least 4 GCSEs at grade E or above including Maths and English (new GCSE grading level 3) with Science desirable. Alternatively, a suitable Level 1 vocational qualification with English and Maths at Level 1.Example Qualifications:City & Guilds Technical CertificateBTEC first certificate, Extended Certificate or DiplomaRHS CertificateIntermediate ApprenticeshipABC Award, Certificate or Diploma Level 3 What they give you:Ability to gain or apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding at a detailed levelAppropriate if you plan to go to university, work independently or (in some cases) supervise and train others in their field of workEntry Requirements: Usually at least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (new GCSE grading levels 4 to 9) to include any 2 from English, Maths and Science with at least a grade D in the remaining subject. Alternatively, a suitable Level 2 vocational qualification (Merit or above) with English and Maths at Level 2Example Qualifications:City & Guilds Advanced Technical Certificate, Diploma or Extended DiplomaCity & Guilds & BTEC Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, 90-Credit Diploma, Diploma or Extended DiplomaRHS Advanced CertificateAdvanced ApprenticeshipABC Certificate or Diploma Level 4 What they give you:Specialist learning, involving detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in an area of work or studySuitable for people working in technical and professional jobs, and/or managing and developing othersEntry Requirements: Successful completion of a Level 3 qualification and/or A levels in appropriate subjects eg: Science, Maths, English.Example Qualifications:BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC)DiplomaNVQ Level 5 What they give you:Ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study, so you can respond to complex problems and situationsInvolves high level of work expertise and competence in managing and training othersSuitable for people working as higher-grade technicians, professionals or managersEntry Requirements: 48 UCAS points from AS and A-Levels (at least 32 points must be at A2-level) or relevant Level 3 qualification, i.e. BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Extended Diploma - PPP Grades required. Access to HE Diplomas - 45 credits at Level 3. Plus, GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics.Example Qualifications:BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND)Foundation degree (science) (FdSc)DiplomaNVQ Level 6 What they give you:A specialist, high-level knowledge of an area of work or study, to allow you to use your own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situationsSuitable for people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positionsEntry Requirements: 80 UCAS points from AS and A-Levels (at least 64 points must be at A2-level) or relevant Level 3 qualification, i.e. BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Extended Diploma - MMP Grades required. Access to HE Diplomas - 45 credits at Level 3. Plus, GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics.Example Qualifications:BSc (Hons)DiplomaNVQ Level 7 What they give you:Highly developed and complex levels of knowledge, enabling you to develop original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situationsSuitable for senior professionals and managersEntry Requirements: Applicants will normally hold a BSc or equivalent in a related topic, but applications are equally welcome from individuals with extensive industrial experience.Example Qualifications:Master’s Degree (MA)Professional Landscape ArchitectureHorticulture MScDiplomaNVQ Level 8 What they give you:Opportunity to develop new and creative approaches that extend or redefine existing knowledge or professional practiceSuitable for leading experts or practitioners in a particular field Example Qualifications:DiplomaPlease note, the entry requirements are a guide. Contact your nearest education provider to find out more details. Full time or part time courses? It’s worth remembering that 16-18 years olds still get free education and that there are a number of reasonable loan opportunities for older students. So there has been no better time to join a landscaping course.Full time in today’s further and higher education systems often only means attending 3 or 4 days a week, with the rest of the time devoted to personal study. Part time is often just a day or evening a week. Choice will come down to the time you can devote to study and the speed with which you want to gain your qualification. A wealth of careers open to you... The industry has a broad range of landscaping roles. View over 40 job roles in the landscaping industry to see which ones pique your interest. Then, learn more about the qualifications, skills, and experience needed. View All JOB ROLES Career Stories Get inspired by individuals who have entered the landscaping industry through college or specialist courses View All LANDCAPING APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships combine practical training in landscaping jobs with study and could be a better option to learn on the job. LEARN MORE FIND YOUR LOCAL PROVIDER FIND YOUR LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER With hundreds of courses and education providers all over the UK, use our map to find the right education providers near you Landscaping Career Tips View All Landscaping Courses Frequently Asked Questions Need more information? FIND YOUR LOCAL PROVIDER Why become qualified? I’m sure you’ve heard someone say, ‘I didn’t bother going to college and I did alright for myself’, and maybe they have. But a qualification demonstrates you have been taught how to learn, and a good education makes a potentially more productive and adaptable employee. Are all learning providers the same? No, Choose carefully and look closely at the specific department you want to study with. Just because they have an outstanding Sports Department doesn’t necessarily mean they have an outstanding Horticulture Department. No course is taught in exactly the same way everywhere. Visit the college or university, attend open and taster days, speak to current students and teachers, and find reviews on the college or university. Be prepared to travel or move to an education establishment which has a strong reputation.Have realistic expectations about the course, it won’t teach you everything. It’s a foundation to be built upon giving you the fundamental principles of the subject and teaching you research skills. A good course will enable you to adapt those fundamentals when you come across a new challenge, product or process. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Apprenticeships Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscape-apprenticeship/ Published: 2024-09-05 lANDSCAPING EDUCATION & TRAINING Home Landscaping Apprenticeships Apprenticeships combine practical training in landscaping jobs with study Get paid to learn a trade outdoors A landscaping apprenticeship gives you hands-on training, a recognised qualification and a real job at the end, all while you earn from day one. You learn the trade on real sites with experienced landscapers, not from a textbook.If you love being outside, enjoy working with your hands and want a career where no two days look the same, this is one of the best routes in. It is also a popular path for career changers looking for something more rewarding than office life. Search for apprenticeships near you Why choose a landscaping apprenticeship You will not be stuck in a classroom. Around 80 per cent of your time is spent on the job with a real employer, learning the trade by doing it. The other 20 per cent is structured off-the-job training, usually one day a week, where you build the knowledge that backs up what you are picking up on the tools.As an apprentice, you will:Earn a wage from your first day, with paid holiday, sick pay and the same perks as the rest of the teamWork alongside experienced landscapers who want to pass on what they knowLearn a wide range of landscaping skills, from planting and turfing to paving, fencing and reading site plansGain a qualification that employers across the UK recognise and valueBuild a network of contacts in the industry before you even finish trainingWalk into a full-time role at the end, often with the company that trained youYou come out of an apprenticeship with experience, qualifications and confidence. That is a strong place to start any career. What you can expect to earn Apprentice wage (2026): From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices is £8.00 an hour. That works out at around £15,600 a year on a 37.5-hour week. This rate applies if you are under 19 or 19 and over in your first year. Many landscaping employers, especially BALI members, pay more than the minimum.After year one: If you are 19 or over and have finished your first year, you are entitled to the minimum wage for your age group. From April 2026, that is £10.85 an hour for 18- to 20-year-olds and £12.71 an hour for 21 and over. So your pay typically rises significantly partway through your apprenticeship.After you qualify: Once you finish your Level 2, qualified landscape operatives typically earn from £22,000 to £28,000 a year, depending on experience and location. Move up to a Level 3 supervisor role, and that can rise to £30,000 plus. Wages tend to be higher in London and the South East, and lower in some rural areas.On top of your wage, you get holiday pay (at least 28 days, including bank holidays for full-time apprentices), sick pay and the same workplace perks as other staff. Some employers also pay for tools, kits, and travel. Levels and duration explained There are two main landscaping apprenticeship routes in the UK, and the level you start on depends on your experience and qualifications. You can read a fuller breakdown in our guide to landscape and horticulture apprenticeships. Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Operative This is the starting point for most people. It is equivalent to five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 and usually takes around 24 months to complete. You can choose to focus on landscaping (the hard side, like paths, patios and structures) or horticulture (the soft side, like planting and plant care). Level 3 Horticulture or Landscape Supervisor This is the next step up, equivalent to A Level standard. It typically takes 18 to 24 months and prepares you to lead a small team, manage projects and take on more technical work.Both levels finish with an end-point assessment, where an independent assessor checks you can do the job you have trained for. You will be graded fail, pass, merit or distinction.If you would prefer to focus purely on the soft side of the industry, the horticulture apprenticeship route might suit you better. What about T Levels? If you are 16 to 19 and still in education, a T Level in Ornamental and Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping is another route worth considering. T Levels combine classroom study with a longer industry placement, whereas apprenticeships are mainly on-the-job from day one. Both lead into the same industry, so it comes down to which way of learning suits you best. See our overview of landscape education options to compare them side by side. Who can apply To start a landscaping apprenticeship in England, you need to be:16 or over by the end of the summer holidaysNot in full-time educationLiving in England with the right to work in the UKYou do not always need formal qualifications to begin. Most employers look for GCSE grade 3 (or grade D) in English and Maths, or the willingness to work towards them during your apprenticeship. If you are worried about what qualifications you need, the short answer is fewer than you might think.What matters more is attitude. Employers want apprentices who are reliable, enthusiastic about the outdoors and keen to learn. If that sounds like you, you have a strong starting point. What you will learn The skills you pick up depend on whether you choose the landscaping or horticulture route, but most apprenticeships cover a mix of both.On the landscaping side, you will learn how to:Build hard features like paths, patios, walls, fences and timber deckingLay paving, set levels and identify underground servicesCut hard landscape materials safely using abrasive wheelsAssess and repair structures, from cracked paving to frost-damaged brickworkWork safely on site and follow health and safety proceduresOn the horticulture side, you will learn how to:Identify plants, pests and diseases, and build your plant knowledgePlant, prune and maintain a wide range of speciesUnderstand soil science, plant health and biosecurityEstablish and care for cultivated areas, from private gardens to public parksYou will also work towards:Level 1 English and Maths (and sit the Level 2 test) if you do not already have themA Level 3 award in Emergency First Aid at WorkA Level 2 award in the Safe Use of PesticidesThese are the foundations of a long career, and they stay with you wherever your work takes you. Where you could end up working A landscaping apprenticeship opens up a wide variety of workplaces across the landscape industry. You could find yourself in:Public parks, gardens and historic estatesPrivate gardens for residential clientsSports grounds and commercial green spacesProduction nurseries or garden retailSpecialist firms focused on hard landscaping, soft landscaping or grounds maintenanceOnce you finish, you could go on to become a hard landscape operative, lawn care technician, gardener, nursery production worker, pesticide operative or grounds maintenance team member. With more experience, supervisor and management roles follow. Browse our full list of landscaping job roles to see what catches your eye. Search for apprenticeships near you From apprentice to mobile team leader Plenty of today's industry leaders began with an apprenticeship. Dominic Andrews started as an apprentice and trained up to Level 3 in Work-based Horticulture, and is now a Mobile Team Leader at Idverde in Southwark.“I started as an apprentice and have since trained up to Level 3 in Work-based Horticulture. The apprenticeship route gave me hands-on experience from day one and a clear path to progress.”Dominic Andrews, Mobile Team Leader, IdverdeHis story is one of many. The apprenticeship route gives you a foot in the door, and where you take it from there is up to you.Research the industryGet a feel for what landscaping involves before you apply. Look at the different job roles, read through our career tips and watch a few of our career videos. The more you know, the better your application will be.Check the entry requirementsMost programmes need you to be 16 or over, with the right to work in the UK. Some employers will ask for GCSEs in English and Maths, although many are flexible if you are willing to work towards them.Search for opportunitiesThe National Apprenticeship Service is the official place to find live vacancies across England. You can also contact local landscaping companies directly, speak to your nearest college and use our training providers map to find education providers in your area.Apply and interviewMost employers will ask for an application form, followed by an interview. Be ready to talk about why you want to work outdoors, what you know about the industry and what you hope to learn.Train, qualify and progressOnce you are accepted, you will spend most of your time on the job, with structured study alongside it. At the end, you sit your end-point assessment and gain your qualification. From there, the next step is yours. If an apprenticeship is not quite right for you, college courses are another strong way into the industry. Search for apprenticeships near you How to find and apply for a landscaping apprenticeship Landscaping Apprenticeships Frequently Asked Questions Need more information? Get in touch How long does a landscaping apprenticeship take? A Level 2 apprenticeship usually takes around 24 months. Level 3 takes another 18 to 24 months on top of that. How much do landscaping apprentices get paid? From April 2026, the minimum is £8.00 an hour, around £15,600 a year on full-time hours. Many landscaping employers pay more than that, particularly in London and the South East. After your first year, if you are 19 or over, you move onto the minimum wage for your age group. Read more about how you learn and earn with an apprenticeship. Do I need qualifications to start? Not always. Some employers ask for GCSEs in English and Maths, but many are happy for you to work towards Level 1 and Level 2 during your apprenticeship. Here is more on what you really need. Do I need a driving licence? It is not a strict requirement, but it helps. Some apprentice roles involve travelling between sites, and employers based outside city centres often prefer applicants who can drive or are working towards their test. A few will help cover the cost of lessons. Always check the individual job advert. What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3? Level 2 is the operative qualification and gives you the practical skills to do the job. Level 3 is the supervisor qualification and prepares you to lead a team and manage projects. Can I choose between landscaping and horticulture? Yes. Most apprenticeship standards let you specialise in one or the other, depending on what interests you most. If horticulture sounds more like you, take a look at the dedicated horticulture route. Is an apprenticeship right for someone changing careers? Absolutely. Plenty of people switch into landscaping later in life through an apprenticeship. There is no upper age limit, and your existing work experience can count in your favour at the interview. What happens at the end? You sit an end-point assessment with an independent assessor. You will be graded fail, pass, merit or distinction. Once you pass, you have a recognised qualification and a strong base to build your career on. Where can I find a landscaping apprenticeship near me? Use our local training provider map to find colleges and employers in your area, or read our guide to finding a landscaping apprenticeship near you.Get in touch if you have a question we have not answered here. We are happy to help. A Level 2 apprenticeship usually takes around 24 months. Level 3 takes another 18 to 24 months on top of that.From April 2026, the minimum is £8.00 an hour, around £15,600 a year on full-time hours. Many landscaping employers pay more than that, particularly in London and the South East. After your first year, if you are 19 or over, you move onto the minimum wage for your age group. Read more about how you learn and earn with an apprenticeship.Not always. Some employers ask for GCSEs in English and Maths, but many are happy for you to work towards Level 1 and Level 2 during your apprenticeship. Here is more on what you really need.It is not a strict requirement, but it helps. Some apprentice roles involve travelling between sites, and employers based outside city centres often prefer applicants who can drive or are working towards their test. A few will help cover the cost of lessons. Always check the individual job advert.Level 2 is the operative qualification and gives you the practical skills to do the job. Level 3 is the supervisor qualification and prepares you to lead a team and manage projects.Yes. Most apprenticeship standards let you specialise in one or the other, depending on what interests you most. If horticulture sounds more like you, take a look at the dedicated horticulture route.Absolutely. Plenty of people switch into landscaping later in life through an apprenticeship. There is no upper age limit, and your existing work experience can count in your favour at the interview.You sit an end-point assessment with an independent assessor. You will be graded fail, pass, merit or distinction. Once you pass, you have a recognised qualification and a strong base to build your career on.Use our local training provider map to find colleges and employers in your area, or read our guide to finding a landscaping apprenticeship near you.Get in touch if you have a question we have not answered here. We are happy to help. A wealth of careers open to you... The industry has a broad range of landscaping roles. View over 40 job roles in the landscaping industry to see which ones pique your interest. Then, learn more about the qualifications, skills, and experience needed. View All JOB ROLES Career Stories Get inspired by individuals who have entered the landscaping industry through an Apprenticeship View All LANDCAPING COURSES From entry level to degree, there is a huge choice when it comes to qualifications in landscaping, so where do you begin? LEARN MORE FIND YOUR LOCAL PROVIDER FIND YOUR LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDER With hundreds of courses and education providers all over the UK, use our map to find the right education providers near you Landscaping Apprenticeships Frequently Asked Questions Need more information? Get in touch How long does a landscaping apprenticeship take? A horticulturist works with plants in some form, whether that’s growing them, designing with them, researching them or caring for them. Some focus on producing plants in commercial nurseries, others maintain established gardens, design new landscapes or work in plant science and conservation. The variety is one of the field’s biggest draws. How much do landscaping apprentices get paid? Not always to start with, but qualifications open more doors and help you progress faster. Many people begin through apprenticeships, entry-level roles or college courses, then build qualifications as their careers develop. Specialist routes often need more formal training. Do I need qualifications to start? There are several routes in, including apprenticeships, work placements, entry-level college courses and assistant roles with UK horticulture businesses. If you’re switching from another industry, our career changer guide walks through the realistic options step by step. Do I need a driving licence? Horticulture focuses on growing and cultivating plants, while landscaping covers the design, construction and care of outdoor spaces. The two overlap heavily and many careers sit comfortably in both worlds. Our green career paths guide explains the relationship in more depth. What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3? Yes. The UK horticulture sector is facing a real skills shortage, which means strong job security, good progression and rising demand for trained people. It’s also one of the most varied and personally rewarding industries to be part of, with clear pathways from entry-level work right through to senior specialist and design roles. Can I choose between landscaping and horticulture? Entry-level horticulture roles in the UK typically start around £18,000 to £22,000. Experienced horticulturists earn £25,000 to £35,000, while specialists, designers and chartered landscape architects can earn £45,000 to £70,000 or more. See our full landscaping and horticulture salary guide for a detailed breakdown. Is an apprenticeship right for someone changing careers? Yes. Competitions like the Young Horticulturist of the Year recognise emerging talent in the sector and are a great way for new entrants to build profile, network and progress. What happens at the end? Yes. Competitions like the Young Horticulturist of the Year recognise emerging talent in the sector and are a great way for new entrants to build profile, network and progress. Where can I find a landscaping apprenticeship near me? Yes. Competitions like the Young Horticulturist of the Year recognise emerging talent in the sector and are a great way for new entrants to build profile, network and progress. A horticulturist works with plants in some form, whether that's growing them, designing with them, researching them or caring for them. Some focus on producing plants in commercial nurseries, others maintain established gardens, design new landscapes or work in plant science and conservation. The variety is one of the field's biggest draws.Not always to start with, but qualifications open more doors and help you progress faster. Many people begin through apprenticeships, entry-level roles or college courses, then build qualifications as their careers develop. Specialist routes often need more formal training.There are several routes in, including apprenticeships, work placements, entry-level college courses and assistant roles with UK horticulture businesses. If you're switching from another industry, our career changer guide walks through the realistic options step by step.Horticulture focuses on growing and cultivating plants, while landscaping covers the design, construction and care of outdoor spaces. The two overlap heavily and many careers sit comfortably in both worlds. Our green career paths guide explains the relationship in more depth.Yes. The UK horticulture sector is facing a real skills shortage, which means strong job security, good progression and rising demand for trained people. It's also one of the most varied and personally rewarding industries to be part of, with clear pathways from entry-level work right through to senior specialist and design roles.Entry-level horticulture roles in the UK typically start around £18,000 to £22,000. Experienced horticulturists earn £25,000 to £35,000, while specialists, designers and chartered landscape architects can earn £45,000 to £70,000 or more. See our full landscaping and horticulture salary guide for a detailed breakdown.Yes. Competitions like the Young Horticulturist of the Year recognise emerging talent in the sector and are a great way for new entrants to build profile, network and progress.Yes. Competitions like the Young Horticulturist of the Year recognise emerging talent in the sector and are a great way for new entrants to build profile, network and progress.Yes. Competitions like the Young Horticulturist of the Year recognise emerging talent in the sector and are a great way for new entrants to build profile, network and progress. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Discover The Industry Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscape-industry/ Published: 2024-09-05 Introduction to the Landscaping Industry What do landscapers do? The world of landscaping is broad & diverse. Anywhere a building has been constructed a landscaper will be involved, designing, creating and caring for green spaces and gardens. It can be a daunting task choosing what career path to follow...Is a landscaping job right for you? Will you enjoy a career in landscaping?Therefore, it’s important to think about: Your InterestsIf you’re interested in landscaping you’ll remain motivated and happy in your choice of career. Your SkillsThese can often be developed once you have begun your landscaping career journey, but having some core skills already in place such as written, numeracy and IT skills will make your progress easier. Your ValuesWhat you consider important in your life. Applying this to your work will help give purpose to your job and longevity to your career. Considering these in relation to your chosen career will help you make a more informed choice, so if you are... Looking for a rewarding career? Love working outdoors with plants, nature and the environment? Creative or practical? Then a landscaping job could be the right profession for you. There is a landscaping job for everyone… Enjoy Construction?Landscapers build gardens, they work with a wide variety of materials, shaping the environment to create new and exciting spaces. Have an Eye for Detail?Grounds maintenance staff keep green spaces, public parks and sports surfaces at their best, making sure they are safe, clean and attractive. Interested in plants and ecology?Grounds maintenance staff keep green spaces, public parks and sports surfaces at their best, making sure they are safe, clean and attractive. Want to save the environment?Landscapers help create and conserve outside spaces for wildlife, plants, and to prevent erosion. They install green roofs and walls to help combat environmental concerns. Feeling Creative?The job of Garden Designers and Landscape Architects is to design exciting and functional outside spaces for their clients to enjoy. Like what you have seen? Then a job in landscaping could be just the profession for you! Learn more A wealth of careers open to you... The industry has a broad range of landscaping roles. View over 40 job roles in the landscaping industry to see which ones pique your interest. Then, learn more about the qualifications, skills, and experience needed. View All Job Roles Career Pathways There are multiple ways into the landscaping industry from apprenticeships to specialist triaing. Learn more about the training and education needed... FIND OUT MORE College Courses Taking a college course to get some of the skills you might need as a landscaper. LEARN MORE Apprenticeships You can do an apprenticeship to get into work as a landscaper. LEARN MORE Specialist Courses Taking a college course to get some of the skills you might need as a landscaper. LEARN MORE Work Placements You could start as an assistant landscaper in one of many UK landscaping companies. LEARN MORE LANDSCAPING RESOURCES Learn everything about landscaping from success stories, news and more! We have created a wide range of resources available to learn more about the wonderful world of landscaping, from career stories, FAQs, training information, news and further insights into the industry. Stay Updated News & Insights The latest GoLandscape news, details of related industry career events, helpful advice, guidance and tips to get the most out of landscaping. FAQ’s Do you have questions about a career in landscaping? Take a look at the most common questions and misconceptions. Not sure which career would suit your personality? Career Quiz Finder Take Our Career Finder Quiz Find Out Which Landscaping Careers would suit you best and learn about the full variety of industry occupations. Day in the life videos Hear from the people who already have landscaping careers . The videos will give you an insight into having a job in landscaping.You will learn what their day to day role in landscaping is like, how they joined the landscape industry and what they love about the landscaping work they carry out. SUCCESS STORIES Landscaping is an exciting and rewarding industry to be a part of, but don’t just take our word for it... Looking for someone else? Parents Looking for an exciting and wide-ranging career for your child? Find out the benefits and key information about a potential career in landscaping... Primary Schools / Teacher or Career Advisor Never has there been a better timeto encourage people to work in the landscaping industry... Employers If you run a landscape business, taking on a school or college leaver and training them up from scratch... We’re here to help! Contact the team today Looking to enter the landscaping industry and have questions or need advice? We can help you find the right landscaping career for you. Get in touch Follow us on social media Keep up to date with the latest news, events and career info, follow us! Instagram Youtube Linkedin ------------------------------------------------------------ # Thank you – Ask for an Ambassador Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/golandscape-ambassadors/ask-for-an-ambassador/thank-you-ask-for-an-ambassador/ Published: 2024-05-16 Thank You For Your Enquiry Thank you for your interest in having an ambassador visit your school or college. We appreciate your request and are excited about the opportunity to engage with your students and staff. Our team will review your request and contact you soon to discuss the details and coordinate a suitable date and time for the visit. We look forward to working together to make this a meaningful and enriching experience for everyone involved.Thank you once again for reaching out to us. Homepage ------------------------------------------------------------ # Bursaries & Grants – Landscaping Careers Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/resources/bursaries/ Published: 2024-05-14 Home LANDSCAPING CAREERS Learn more about the bursaries schemes available in the UK, providing financial support for a wide range of projects and travel BALI Chalk Fund The BALI Chalk Fund run a Student of the Year Award for BALI Registered colleges to participate, and nominate a student to receive the award. Winners will receive a cheque of £100 and a certificate. The BALI Chalk Fund have also launched a UK BALI Chalk Fund Student of the Year. Each student that is nominated will be considered for the UK Student of the Year award. The winning student and their college will receive a cheque for £500 and 2 tickets to the BALI National Landscape Awards Ceremony, held in December. LEARN MORE info@balichalkfund.org.uk Chartered Institue of Horticulture At CIH we are able to offer a number of grants and prizes for horticulturists at different stages of their career. These include the: The Norah Stucken award: a £500 prize for a project which has made a significant impact within the industry. The Aberconway award: £500 prize for the best horticultural dissertation submitted by a student or non-student under the age of 30. Young Horticulturist of the Year: the winner of this annual competition is awarded a £2500 travel bursary to help them further their career. The Pam Pointer award: awarded to four students of Horticulture a year in recognition of outstanding achievement in academic and practical pursuits, sponsored attendance at the CIH conference and 1-year free associate membership. Learn More cih@horticulture.org.uk The Finnis Scott Foundation The Foundation can provide grants for any charitable purpose, however their present policy is to focus grant-making in the areas of horticulture and plant sciences, as well as fine art and art history, reflecting the primary interests of the Foundation’s instigators – Sir David Montagu Douglas Scott KCMG OBE and his wife, Valerie Finnis VMH. In general the Trustees will only usually consider grants of between £500 and £10,000, although, exceptionally, larger grants may be considered at the Trustees’ discretion. Preference is given to making grants to smaller charities where the grant would have a significant impact. Learn More amoon@hcrlaw.com Colebrook Seagrave Foundation The Student Scholarship awards £1,500 to each of up to 5 students to support their studies in horticulture. Preference is given to candidates who have an interest in ornamental commercial horticulture, especially with an emphasis on the bedding, container, pot plant and cut flower sectors. Blue Diamond Scholarships are offered annually by this premier group of 44 garden centres who also have their own extensive nurseries and a unique collaboration with the National Trust and a Partner Garden with the RHS. Bursaries of up to £2,500 are available to students’ studying horticulture at a college on a wide range of courses. Applications for support towards the cost of student life including course fees, equipment and materials associated with your studies, travel are all welcome for these flexible scholarships.The British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary offers £1,000 to support one or more students studying commercial horticulture. The scholarship is also available to schools and horticultural colleges to finance trips for students over 16 years of age to leading commercial horticultural establishments.The Ball Colegrave Sponsored Travel Scholarship awards up to £1,500 to fund travel to Europe in order to develop knowledge and experience in bedding plant production and marketing. An employee in the early stages of their career at a commercial bedding plant nursery, or a student studying horticulture with an interest in commercial bedding plants should apply.The John Gibson Environmental Scholarship will award £1,500 to a student with a keen interest in environmental solutions and sustainable applications as applied to commercial horticulture. John Gibson worked at Colegrave Seeds with the late David Colegrave and was at the forefront of the development of the market for hybrid seeds and seedlings. This scholarship recognises John’s keen interest in environmental solutions that can advance commercial horticulture in a sustainable manner.The Horticultural Research Scholarship will award up to £4,000 to support applied research within the horticulture industry. Students with proven merit who are perhaps undertaking a research project as part of their education that would benefit from some early funding support to extend their project can apply. This includes undergraduates, postgraduates and those studying for doctoral degrees.This scholarship is currently offered via the Royal Society of Biology as part of their Plant Health Undergraduate Studentships. We co fund this scholarship with The Crispa (Richard Cahn) Charitable Trust. Richard Cahn was a well known and highly respected figure in the horticultural business world and perhaps best remembered for creating Roundstone Nurseries and Garden Centre in West Sussex.The Majestic Trees Sponsored Travel Scholarship is offering up to £3,000 to fund a placement abroad at a tree nursery. This also includes the opportunity for a work placement at Majestic Trees, which could become a permanent position. The owners of Majestic Trees, Steve and Janet McCurdy, first met in California whilst Steve was working as an exchange student. Steve’s work experience opportunity greatly influenced the way they run Majestic Trees and it is for this reason that Majestic Trees provide this scholarship for a student passionate about tree production.Hort Tech Award supported by Worshipful Company of Gardeners is offering up to £5,000 to students, academics and individuals who are developing horticulture technologies.As technology becomes increasingly important in horticulture, a number of colleges and universities have specialist technical schools, working on projects as well as educating students. Projects looking to reduce human labour inputs or improve growing conditions and product ‘shelf-life’ are all vital to the future commercial ornamental.Brian Crosby Scholarship funds up to £1,000 to a student from, or studying in, the north west of England, Brian’s home area. As with al of the CSF scholarships, this award is not means tested, and can be used to support course or exam fees, equipment and materials associated with your studies, travel or the other ‘costs’ of student life. ScholarshipSeason opens for applications in September each year with the deadline for entries being the 31st January following. Awards are made usually towards the end of March or early April. To enter applicants simply need to complete an application form which they can do online at: Learn More info@colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk The Great Dixter Charitable Trust The Trust offers the Christopher Lloyd Bursary, the purpose of which is to create opportunities for trainee and young gardeners to travel and work in interesting places, widen their experience and gain inspiration from experts in the UK and abroad. Applications are invited for bursaries of up to £1,500 and are accepted at any time of the year. LEARN MORE education@greatdixter.co.uk Helena Kennedy Foundation The Foundation provides support of up to £2,250 to students whose personal and financial circumstances make progression to higher education difficult. They have two awards for a higher level apprenticeship in agriculture, and three awards for students wanting to progress to a land based degree. Those eligible to apply must be at a FE college or sixth form college, and must not have already undertaken a further education course. LEARN MORE enquiries@hkf.org.uk Historic And Botanic Garden Training Programme The Historic and Botanic Garden Training Programme (HBGTP) enables enthusiastic and committed horticulturists to increase their horticultural and other technical skills through garden placements in a range of historic and botanic gardens throughout the UK. The programme is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.HBGTP offers trainees a structured learning programme and an assigned Supervisor and Mentor to guide and support their practical training. LEARN MORE elinor.davies@english-heritage.org.uk The Merlin Trust The Merlin Trust offers grants to British or Irish Citizens who are between the ages of 18 and 35 years or in their first five years of a career in horticulture, for studying plants in the wild and in gardens, abroad and in the UK. Funding is also available if you are a foreign national studying in a British or Irish horticulturally recognised institution. Applications are invited throughout the year for long or short term projects, grants up to £1,500 may be available.The Trust was founded by Valerie Finnis VMH in memory of Merlin Scott to encourage young horticulturists. LEARN MORE info@merlin-trust.org.uk The Professional Gardeners' Trust The Professional Gardeners’ Trust (PGT) was established in 2004 to fund training and study for working gardeners, who could not otherwise afford it, in the UK and Ireland.The PGT provides gardeners with the opportunity to acquire skills and gain qualifications, this enhances their careers and benefits the horticulture profession as a whole. LEARN MORE adrian@pgtrust.org Royal Horticultural Society Through its bursaries scheme, the RHS provides financial support for a wide range of horticultural projects both abroad and in the UK. Bursaries generally range between £100 and £3,000.Projects with a very clear relevance to horticulture are eligible to be considered for a bursary, and monies can be used to contribute towards costs like travel, accommodation, supporting publications, amongst others. LEARN MORE bursaries@rhs.org.uk The Studley College Trust The Trust provides financial support in the form of student bursaries for study and training activities in the land-based industries. Bursaries can be accessed through a number of routes, including college bursaries, sponsored scholarships, travelling scholarships, and other college programmes. If you are already studying on a college course and struggling with insufficient funds, or if you plan to go to College in the coming academic year and are worried about coping on limited resources you may well be eligible for a Studley College bursary. LEARN MORE studleyct@btinternet.com Perennial Perennial is the UK’s only charity supporting all those working with plants, trees, flowers or grass, as well as those who have retired, who dedicate their passion, time and energy to keeping Britain beautiful. Perennial offers financial support to help both those already working in horticulture to build and develop their skills and careers, and also to horticultural students who are struggling to complete their course because of an unexpected or life-changing event. LEARN MORE services@perennial.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------------ # FAQ’s Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/resources/faqs/ Published: 2024-05-14 Home Frequently Asked Questions Think you know what landscapers do? It’s unfortunate that the landscape industry can be perceived as low skilled and unacademic, nothing could be further from the truth.Need more information? Get in touch Isn’t it just gardening? The challenge is separating the image of the professional gardener from the amateur gardening enthusiast. Amateur gardening is just a small aspect of landscaping and often only the starting point.Landscapers and professional gardeners are highly skilled individuals and are involved in many aspects including construction and maintenance while working on private gardens, estates and parks.The industry roles include landscape managers, executives, business developers, product manufacturers, architects, designers, and botanists to name just a few. It’s a low paid job isn’t it? A landscape operative often starts on around £15-20,000, but this is just the starting point. With experience and achieving qualifications, this figure can quickly rise along with the role’s responsibilities and increase earning potential. As with any industry, those that present a good attitude, are committed and work hard, will be afforded the opportunities of progression in their landscaping career. There are opportunities in landscaping to move into the role of supervisor, project manager or even partner. If you end up working for yourself as a landscaper, you could have even greater earning opportunities. Isn’t it a physically demanding and dirty job? It can be, it depends on the landscaping job role you choose. Landscapers are very fit, moving and installing many types of materials and using different tools and machinery. Take pushing a mower, you could burn up to 500 calories an hour (the same as playing tennis). If that doesn’t suit you there are other landscaping roles you could choose and move into. It’s not very professional, can’t anyone do it? Landscapers have to develop a broad range of skills, including accurately marking out and surveying sites, being able to calculate area and volume, along with a broad ability and understanding of construction. The foundation of which comes through education and training. Every green space around us was constructed and is maintained by a landscaper, from Wembley Stadium to Princess Park, landscapers are incredibly proud of the prestigious work they do. It’s a job for those that didn’t do very well at school The landscape industry has roles that address many people’s capabilities from entry level qualifications right up to degree level. Landscapers are individuals with a strong educated foundation which often includes English, Chemistry, Biology, mathematical and analytical skills. They are creative, able to solve problems, and most importantly, passionate. It’s seasonal as there is not enough work for all year round Most landscapers have more than enough work (sometimes too much) to keep them busy all year round. Don’t you have to work long hours? No more than many other jobs. The typical working week is Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm and overtime if the project falls behind. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Videos Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/resources/landscaping-career-videos/ Published: 2024-05-14 Home Landcaping Career Insight Videos There are so many great reasons to pursue landscaping jobs and begin a career in the landscape industry. There are also many different landscaping jobs from Hard to Soft Landscaping jobs. Such landscaping jobs are available like Landscape Architecture jobs, Landscape and Garden Design jobs and Landscape Maintenance jobs.There are so many organisations that offer landscaping jobs throughout the UK. If you still have doubts, then hear from the people who already have landscaping careers . The below videos will give you an insight into having a job in landscaping. You will learn what their day to day role in landscaping is like, how they joined the landscape industry and what they love about the landscaping work they carry out. ------------------------------------------------------------ # News & Blog Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/resources/blog/ Published: 2024-05-14 Discover The Industry Blog The latest GoLandscape news, details of related industry career events, helpful advice, guidance and tips to get the most out of landscaping. SEARCH ------------------------------------------------------------ # Partners Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/about-golandscape/partners/ Published: 2024-05-13 Home Partners Established in the mid 1970s in memory of BALI founder member Geoffrey Chalk, the BALI Chalk Fund provides funding and bursaries for skills development across the landscape industry. To learn more contact BALI Trustees comprise past and current BALI members (including several past chairmen) whose role it is to identify industry causes that meet the Fund’s criteria for support. To date, the BALI Chalk Fund has facilitated the development of industry training materials, awarded travel scholarships to enable young landscapers to learn from their counterparts overseas, provided training prizes for the winners of the national finals of the WorldSkills UK Landscape Gardening competition, and supported land-based colleges by providing trophies for outstanding achievement to students on landscape-related courses. The Fund is currently helping to support the development of an industry CPD programme. The Grayshaw & Yeo Gardening Company ethos is to help passionate gardeners become professional gardeners. We provide a unique opportunity for home gardeners to become self-employed gardeners in their local area. Once you have passed our interview, plant identification test and practical trial we place you in gardens that suit your current level of knowledge. You will then gain valuable practical experience in your own client gardens.Grayshaw and Yeo Gardening Company will support you on the next steps of your career ladder, we provide mentoring, training twice a year and £40 each year towards a day course that will help you become a rounded gardener. Once you have discovered which aspects of horticulture most interest you we will provide advice and point you in the right direction to get grants to gain further qualifications or start a new position. Please find out more about us: gygardening.co.uk Email us Having supported the training requirements of businesses for almost 40 years, YMCA Training has established itself as the hallmark for quality in the apprenticeship training sector. As a leading national charity, we have a proven track record of successfully training thousands of apprentices every year who go on to build rewarding and fulfilling careers. We work across a number of sectors, bringing a wide range of experience to help your business grow. From management and business admin through to sports turf and horticulture we’re here to support you. From years of experience comes insight; we know what companies expect and need from a training provider. We recognise the commitment employers make when engaging an apprentice. We fully understand the processes around funding and potential challenges so we can offer high-quality training and support regarding contributions and funding. Please find out more about us: ymcatraining.org.uk This site grew from a single page, established back in 1997, that attempted to explain the correct construction of a block paved patio for a friend who was having trouble with their contractor. Since then it has been through at least 4 major revisions and now totals over 400 pages of top class information covering all the major paving types used in Britain and Ireland, and receives over 125,000 unique visitors each month during the season. This version of the site has been specifically set up to improve the public perception of the paving and hard-landscaping trades by promoting best practice and best products with a free exchange of information between the three major participants - the contractors, the manufacturers and the general public. The aim is to provide contractors with a central source of information and news, to help ensure the general public and the keen DIY’ers have access to free, expert and impartial advice, and that manufacturers and stockists have a showcase for their quality products. Please find out more about us: pavingexpert.com ------------------------------------------------------------ # Ask for an Ambassador Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/golandscape-ambassadors/ask-for-an-ambassador/ Published: 2024-05-13 Ask for an Ambassador Request Ambassador visit to your secondary school or college (Subject to availability) ------------------------------------------------------------ # Become an Ambassador Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/golandscape-ambassadors/become-an-ambassador/ Published: 2024-05-13 Become an Ambassador I’m in the industry and would like to become an Ambassador ------------------------------------------------------------ # Thank You – Become an Ambassador Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/golandscape-ambassadors/become-an-ambassador/thank-you-become-an-ambassador/ Published: 2024-05-13 Thank You Thank you for expressing your interest in becoming an ambassador. We are thrilled to see your enthusiasm for this role and appreciate your willingness to represent our organisation. Our team will review your application and contact you soon to discuss the next steps in the selection process. We are eager to learn more about you and explore how your skills and passions align with our ambassador program.Thank you once again for reaching out to us. Homepage ------------------------------------------------------------ # Contact Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/get-in-touch/ Published: 2024-05-13 Get in touch Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. golandscape@bali.org.uk 024 7669 0333 024 7669 0077 British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) Landscape House Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2LG /*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 08-05-2024 */ .elementor-widget-social-icons.elementor-grid-0 .elementor-widget-container,.elementor-widget-social-icons.elementor-grid-mobile-0 .elementor-widget-container,.elementor-widget-social-icons.elementor-grid-tablet-0 .elementor-widget-container{line-height:1;font-size:0}.elementor-widget-social-icons:not(.elementor-grid-0):not(.elementor-grid-tablet-0):not(.elementor-grid-mobile-0) .elementor-grid{display:inline-grid}.elementor-widget-social-icons 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.elementor-icon.elementor-social-icon{border-radius:10%}.elementor-shape-circle .elementor-icon.elementor-social-icon{border-radius:50%} Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Instagram ------------------------------------------------------------ # Terms & Conditions Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/terms-conditions/ Published: 2024-05-13 Terms Of Use Access to, and use of, this site is provided by The British Association of Landscape Industries (“BALI”) subject to the following terms and conditions (“Terms”): 1  Disclaimer1.1  golandscape.co.uk is a website (“site”) upheld and managed by the British Association of Landscape Industries (“BALI”). BALI makes no warranties, representations or undertakings about any of the content of this site (including, without limitation, any as to the quality, accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose of such content), or any content of any other website referred to, referred by or accessed by hypertext link through this site (‘third party site’).1.2  BALI does not endorse or approve the content of any third-party site, nor will BALI have any liability in connection with any of them (including, but not limited to, liability arising out of any allegation that the content of any third-party site infringes any law or the rights of any person or entity).2  Copyright2.1  All rights, including copyright and database right, in BALI site and its contents, are owned by or licensed to BALI, or otherwise used by BALI as permitted by applicable law all rights reserved.2.2  In accessing BALI site and its contents, you agree that you will access the contents solely for your own private use and not for any commercial or public use.2.3  Except as permitted above, you undertake not to copy, store in any medium (including in any other website), distribute, transmit, re-transmit, broadcast, modify, or show in public any part of BALI site without the prior written permission of BALI or in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. You also undertake not to incorporate any of this site’s content into or store it in any other website, electronic retrieval system, publication or other work in any other format (whether hard copy, electronic or other) without prior permission from BALI. In order to avoid doubt, framing of this site, or any part of it, is not permitted without express permission.3  Viruses, Hacking and Other Offences3.1  You must not misuse our site by knowingly introducing viruses, trojans, worms, logic bombs or other material which is malicious or technologically harmful. You must not attempt to gain unauthorised access to our site, the server on which our site is stored, or any server, computer or database connected to our site. You must not attack our site via a denial-of-service attack or a distributed denial-of service attack.3.2  By breaching paragraph 3.1, you would commit a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. We will report any such breach to the relevant law enforcement authorities and we will co-operate with those authorities by disclosing your identity to them. In the event of such a breach, your right to use our site will cease immediately.3.3  We will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by a distributed denial-of-service attack, viruses or other technologically harmful material that may infect your computer equipment, computer programs, data or other proprietary material due to your use of our site or to your downloading of any material posted on it, or on any website linked to it.4  General Terms4.1  Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these Terms, which take effect immediately on your first use of the site. BALI reserves the right to change these Terms at any time by posting changes online.4.2  You are responsible for reviewing regularly information posted online to obtain timely notice of such changes. Your continued use of this site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the Terms as modified by the posted changes.4.3  Material may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way except for your own personal non-commercial use. Any other use requires the prior written permission from BALI. You agree not to adapt, alter or create a derivative work from any of the material contained in this site or use it for any other purpose other than for your personal non-commercial use. You agree to use this site only for lawful purposes, and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of, or restrict or inhibit the use and enjoyment of this site by any third party. Such restriction or inhibition includes, without limitation, conduct which is unlawful, or which may harass or cause distress or inconvenience to any person and the transmission of obscene or offensive content or disruption of normal flow of dialogue within this site.4.4  You should always take appropriate advice where you intend to act on any information on this site as to whether such action is suitable in your individual circumstances.  You should always take appropriate safeguards against virus protection before downloading information from this site or any third party.4.5  This site and the information, names, images, pictures, logos and icons regarding or relating to BALI, its products and services (or to third party products and services), is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and to the maximum extent permitted by law without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind whether express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security and accuracy.4.6  In no event will BALI be liable for any damages including, without limitation, indirect or consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever arising from use or loss of use, data, or profits, whether in action of contract, negligence or other tortious action, arising out of or in connection with the use of the site. BALI does not warrant that the functions contained in the material contained in this site will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected, or that this site or the server that makes it available or any third-party site are free of viruses or bugs or represents the full functionality, accuracy, and reliability of the materials. The names, images and logos identifying BALI or third parties and their products and services are proprietary marks of BALI and/or third parties. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring by implication or otherwise any licence or right under any trademark or patent of BALI, or any other third party.4.7  If any of these Terms should be determined to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable by reason of the laws of any state or country in which these Terms are intended to be effective, then to the extent and within the jurisdiction which that Term or Condition is illegal, invalid or unenforceable, it shall be severed and deleted from the Terms and the remaining terms shall survive, remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable.4.8  Any reference in these Terms to any statute shall be construed as reference to that statute as amended, re-enacted or extended at the relevant time.4.9  This site is designed to be used by persons resident in the United Kingdom.  These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Disputes arising here from shall be exclusively subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.4.10  If these Terms are not accepted in full, you do not have permission to access the contents of this site and therefore should cease using this site immediately.“Website data – collection & usage” policy. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Privacy Policy Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/privacy-policy/ Published: 2024-05-13 Privacy Policy GoLandscape is a service provided by the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) This privacy policy explains how BALI use and manage your personal data in relation to the GoLandscape service. This policy should be read in conjunction with the “Website data – collection & usage” policy, if you are using the GoLandscape website (www.golandscape.co.uk)Your data is controlled and processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Any personal data is processed manually and electronically for the purposes of fulfilling our service obligations to you, or providing information to you before entering in to a contract to provide products and services, namely:The provision of GoLandscape services, advice and supportSignposting and introducing you to other organisations, schools and ambassadorsManaging and administering your accountBALI will not pass your personal data to any other parties, without your consent, other than where mentioned within this notice, or where required to by law.To fulfil our services to you BALI will pass on your personal details for the purpose of providing the following services:Arranging an ambassador visitBecoming an ambassadorMailshot processing where you have consented to receive communications from usThe personal details shared are in accordance with the “Website data – collection & usage” policy.Any recommended introductions or partnerships we feel would be beneficial to you will only be agreed by you before any details are passed on, by contacting you or referring to your preferences recorded on our systems.Your personal information, including your consent status is recorded on to our client management system, Workbooks CRM. The latest date of consent is recorded against each individual person. This is a hosted platform provided by ISO27001 accredited organisation, Workbooks Online Limited, Reading, UK. Data is held in Tier 1 data centres in the UK with 24x7 manned security.BALI use industry standard software applications to manage schedules and communicate electronically. Any personal information, including your consent status is held within customer folders on electronic systems, and is secured by password, PIN, pattern on biometric security as a minimum. Electronic Communications for the reasons stated above are generally made through Microsoft Outlook, or Mail for iOS.If you believe any data we hold is incorrect, personal information has changed, or you wish to remove personal information please contact any member of the team on contact@bali.org.ukThis policy was last reviewed and updated on the 11th September 2018. Policies are periodically reviewed in accordance with the appropriate regulations. For questions relating to this policy, please contact us via the email address stated. Website data – collection & usage How we collate information about youYou provide some informationThere are a number of ways we collect your data. We process your data to provide a service to you, whether this is a simple enquiry, arranging a visit, or engaging as an Ambassador. When you complete a form, we collect information to respond to your enquiry. In order to satisfy your request, we ask for relevant contact details such as name, email address and telephone number. We may also ask for your school, geographic area, industry specialisms or “life” stage (e.g. school, college, career changer). This depends on which enquiry form you are completing.We collect some informationYour IP (Internet Protocol) addressOur website collects your IP address automatically. This is the unique address of the device you are using to access our site. The IP address, on its own, does not identify you as an individual but gives us information that helps us better understand site usage, and therefore enhance our services and website experience to you and others.We use cookiesCookies are small pieces of data that are downloaded to your computer or mobile device when you visit a website or application. Some areas of our website would not function without them, some cookies help provide a better experience for you, and some help us to understand how people use our website. They help us understand who new users are, who are existing ones and how you have reached our site. They remember details in order that you don’t have to enter them multiple times.Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of our website functionality.We use Google AnalyticsGoogle Analytics is a tool that helps us understand how you interact with the website. Examples of statistics gathered include when you visit it, how long you stay on pages, what device type you are using (e.g. desktop or mobile), what page you left from and so forth. Information is collected as per Google’s terms and conditions, and associated privacy notices which we suggest you read. Information is anonymised, and any single piece of data contained within Google Analytics does not solely identify an individual.How we share your informationWe never sell your information to other companies. We will only share your information if you have consented for us to do so, or in accordance with our privacy notice. If we need to share your personal information for a new reason, we will ask you for your consent.How we protect your informationHow we use information about youWhere you have submitted an enquiry, we will use your information as detailed within our privacy notice and process it lawfully in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We will only directly market to you if you have given us consent (e.g. signed up for our newsletter).Where we store your informationAll data processed through our website is secure. We use a secure and redundant network housed in a fully ISO accredited (ISO27001 and ISO9001) data centre based in London, manned 24/7.Where we provide further services to you, we may store your information on other secure systems in accordance with our privacy notice.Links to external “Third Party” websitesThis website may contain links to other websites we feel may be useful to you. Third party websites may have different terms for using and sharing your data. When you visit another website, please take time to read their terms of use and privacy notice(s). We do not endorse, represent or control the content or security provisions of any other website.The right to access your informationYou have the right to:Request a copy of your informationAsk us to change something that is incorrectUnsubscribe from any newsletters you have previously consented to.To contact the Data Protection team, you should make contact by any of the following methods:Email contact@bali.org.ukCall 024 7669 0333 and ask to speak to the Data Protection teamWrite to British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), Landscape House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG.Updates to this documentThis document was last updated on 11 September 2018. Any changes or iterations of this, or any related document will be uploaded and available publicly on this website. They will become immediately enforceable. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Resources Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/resources/ Published: 2024-05-13 LANDSCAPING RESOURCES Learn everything about landscaping from success stories, news and more! We have created a wide range of resources available to learn more about the wonderful world of landscaping, from career stories, FAQs, training information, news and further insights into the industry. Stay Updated News & Insights The latest GoLandscape news, details of related industry career events, helpful advice, guidance and tips to get the most out of landscaping. FAQ’s Do you have questions about a career in landscaping? Take a look at the most common questions and misconceptions. Not sure which career would suit your personality? Take Our Career Finder Quiz Find Out Which Landscaping Careers would suit you best and learn about the full variety of industry occupations. Day in the life videos Hear from the people who already have landscaping careers . The videos will give you an insight into having a job in landscaping. You will learn what their day to day role in landscaping is like,  how they joined the landscape industry and what they love about the landscaping work they carry out. SUCCESS STORIES Landscaping is an exciting and rewarding industry to be a part of, but don’t just take our word for it... Looking for someone else? Parents Looking for an exciting and wide-ranging career for your child? Find out the benefits and key information about a potential career in landscaping... Primary Schools / Teacher or Career Advisor Never has there been a better timeto encourage people to work in the landscaping industry... Employers If you run a landscape business, taking on a school or college leaver and training them up from scratch... We’re here to help! Contact the team today Looking to enter the landscaping industry and have questions or need advice? We can help you find the right landscaping career for you. Get in touch Follow us on social media Keep up to date with the latest news, events and career info, follow us! Facebook-f Instagram Youtube ------------------------------------------------------------ # About Us Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/about-golandscape/ Published: 2024-05-13 About us About GoLandscape The British Association of Landscape Industries and its members recognise the importance of introducing new talent into the landscaping industry in order to sustain, build-on, and develop this remarkable and rewarding sector. BALI is delighted to promote GoLandscape, an education, skills and careers initiative, designed to inform and inspire new recruits and combat industry issues, including a severe skills shortage. GoLandscape will aim to provide a wealth of inspiring and educational career advice on landscaping jobs to young people. The advice will be mapped to the UK Government’s curriculum for the land-based sector and linked to the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standards. BALI has played an instrumental part in lobbying at a parliamentary level and establishing Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standards as recognised qualifications in land-based colleges throughout the country. GoLandscape will start by bringing together a culmination of real -life stories and exemplar projects from leading landscape industry organisations and individuals. These will provide practical examples of what it is really like to work in the industry that we are all so proud of, and why landscaping jobs offer serious career paths that provide opportunities for everyone. GoLandscape has three main objectives: To inspireLandscaping is a serious career path with a host of opportunities. Whether it’s Commercial or Dome-stic landscaping jobs, Grounds Maintenance, or careers in Landscape Architecture and Design, landscaping can offer fantastic careers for everyone. No matter what your age, gender or background, the industry needs people of all abilities, from practical and vocational roles all the way to degree level. Landscaping careers are fun, rewarding, and it’s a prestigious industry to work within. To encourage retentionNot only within our colleges, but also within our industry, we want to introduce landscaping jobs to school children at careers events, raising the profile of the industry. Beyond new recruits, GoLandscape will encourage industry and colleges to reconnect, so they can deliver the correct training to students, which will build their confidence before they enter the working world. To combat landscaping industry issuesIf school children are inspired to go into further education to study landscaping, and the colleges are meeting the demands of the industry by training students to the highest standards, this will create greater student and staff retention which will ultimately close the skills gap in the landscaping sector. About BALI The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) is the UK’s largest Trade Association for professional Landscape Designers, Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Contractors, and suppliers of industry products and services Established in 1972, it has a membership of over 900 organisations and individuals. Visit bali.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping Ambassadors Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/golandscape-ambassadors/ Published: 2024-05-13 Bring Landscaping To Life Our landscaping ambassadors are passionate about the landscaping industry and help us highlight, educate, and inspire the next generation of landscapers! Inspire Your Students Request one of our Landscaping Ambassadors Would you like one of our trained Ambassadors to visit your school or college to run a fun, educational and interactive workshop about landscaping? Inspire the next generation of landscapers. REQUEST AN AMBASSADOR Inspire The Next Generation Become An Ambassador Would you like to help us champion the landscaping industry?  Become AN AMBASSADOR ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscape Career Quiz Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscape-career-quiz/ Published: 2024-05-13 Career Quiz Finder Take The Quiz below to Find Out Which Landscaping Careers would suit you bestand learn about the full variety of industry occupations. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Training & Education Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/ Published: 2024-05-13 Landscaping training and education Once you realise a career in landscaping is for you, you will need to lookfor landscape gardening courses, or go straight into looking for landscaping jobs.You can get into this role through various ways... View Job Roles College Courses An apprenticeship Work towards the role Apply directly A specialist training course When it comes to pursuing a career in landscaping, there are various landscape gardening courses and training options available in the UK. One pathway is to complete a formal qualification, such as a diploma or certificate in landscaping, horticulture, or garden design from a recognised institution.Landscape gardening courses can provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in areas such as plant care, soil management, and landscape design. Another option is to undertake an apprenticeship with a landscaping company, where you can gain practical experience while working towards a relevant qualification.Additionally, there are continuing professional development courses and workshops available for experienced landscapers looking to upskill or specialise in a particular area, such as ecological landscaping or green infrastructure.Aspiring landscapers can enhance their expertise and credibility in the industry by investing in education and training, opening up opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.Look at the information on this page to help you decide if education path could be right for you. Want a helping hand? Take our career quiz to help you find job roles that could be best suited to you. Landscaping & Horticulture College Courses Taking a college course or enrolling in landscape gardening courses is a great way to gain the skills needed for specific landscaping job roles and to specialise in the industry. You could do a: Level 1 Diploma in Skills for Working in Horticulture Industries. Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture. Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture. T Level in Agriculture, Land Management & Production. Learn More THERE ARE OVER 200 Courses Available In The UK Landscaping Apprenticeships Apprenticeships provide valuable hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced professionals. They are a great way to earn while you learn and develop the skills needs to become successful in your chosen area. You could do a: Horticulture & Landscape Operative Intermediate Apprenticeship. Landscape Supervisor Advanced Apprenticeship if you have already have some experience. Horticulture & Landscaping Technical Manager Higher Apprenticeship to progress to become a Landscaping Project Manger or Site Manager. Learn More There are so many options available to you Specialist Training Course Educational institutions offer various programs in landscaping and horticulture, providing the skills needed for success in the field. Coursework often includes hands-on training in garden maintenance, irrigation systems, and plant propagation. These specialised courses cover plant identification, landscape design, soil management, pest control, and sustainable practices. Learn More Professional Work Placements Many landscaping and horticulture programs offer internships or co-op opportunities that allow students to work with experienced professionals and apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, some students take part-time jobs with landscaping companies while studying to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills.  These opportunities provide valuable insights into the daily operations of the industry and help individuals network with professionals in the field. Learn More ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping Career Tips Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscaping-career-tips/ Published: 2024-05-13 Home LANDSCAPING CAREERS To get into landscaping, consider the following career tips: Getting Started In Landscaping 1. Gain relevant education and training: Look for programs or courses in horticulture, landscape design, or landscape architecture. Acquiring knowledge in plant care, design principles, and landscaping techniques can be beneficial.2. Build practical experience: Consider internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work with landscaping companies or local nurseries to gain hands-on experience in the field.3. Develop strong communication skills: Effective communication with clients, team members, and suppliers is essential in the landscaping industry. Work on honing your interpersonal and customer service skills.4. Network within the industry: Attend trade shows, join professional associations, and connect with professionals in the landscaping industry to build relationships and learn about job opportunities.5. Showcase your work: Create a portfolio showcasing your landscaping projects, designs, and any relevant work you've completed. A strong portfolio can help demonstrate your skills and creativity to potential employers or clients.6. Stay updated on industry trends: Keep abreast of the latest landscaping techniques, materials, and sustainable practices to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and innovation.By following these tips, you can increase your chances of building a successful career in landscaping. Good luck! ------------------------------------------------------------ # Careers Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/ Published: 2024-05-13 LANDSCAPING CAREERS What Do Landscape Professionals Do? Are you considering a career in the landscaping industry? With the growing demand for outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable, there has never been a better time to join this thriving sector. View Job Roles Landscaping Job Duties & Career Information The professional landscaping sector offers a variety of career opportunities that contribute to the health, appearance, and attractiveness of landscapes. For example, an agronomist focuses on soil science and what goes on below ground, whereas an arborist specialises in cultivating and caring for trees above ground.Some individuals work outdoors or indoors, such as on the phone, computer, or laboratory. Some work directly in landscaping, while others provide the necessary equipment. This industry includes staff at all levels, from entry-level workers, specialist scientists, marketing, and sales to CEOs of large companies.Irrespective of their specific roles, all individuals involved in designing and maintaining green areas are considered landscape professionals, displaying a strong enthusiasm for their work.Many individuals look for work in the field without a clear idea of what role they want or how to begin. No problem this site should help you to answer these questions! In the UK, there are over 144,400 landscape professionals offering various career opportunities for dedicated individuals willing to learn and work hard. VIEW ENTRY LEVEL ROLES VIEW MORE SPECIALIST ROLES Day in the life videos WATCH THE VIDEOS https://youtu.be/FPr0HfDodvU?si=TJ4K0EOyiB0p_miXHear from the people who already have landscaping careers . You will learn what their day to day role in landscaping is like,  how they joined the landscape industry and what they love about the landscaping work they carry out. All of these positions offer career advancement opportunities. Employees who show skill, hard work, and ability are typically promoted to more senior positions. If you are interested in the landscaping sector but unsure of how to begin, look for jobs in this field or speak to a local landscaper for career guidance. Entry Level Landscaping Roles There are numerous entry level jobs for those looking for training and experience to help them succeed. All of these positions offer career advancement opportunities. Some of these include: Client Service Agents & Office Staff - Certain individuals in the landscaping industry are responsible for providing internal support to the outdoor workforce. They address inquiries, resolve issues, and uphold a courteous and professional company image. Gardeners - play a crucial role in maintaining the beauty and health of our outdoor spaces. From mowing lawns to planting new blooms, gardeners bring life and vibrancy to our surroundings. Machinery Operators—Some landscaping projects, like installations, require forklifts and bulldozers to shift soil, dig holes, and lift heavy items. Equipment operators, trained on the job, are typically the first workers involved in a new landscaping project. Hardscape operatives. They lay patios, pathways, steps and retaining walls to enhance the outdoor areas of homes and businesses. They possess strong planning and implementation abilities, finding fulfilment in completing projects from beginning to end. Landscaping installers - plant greenery, turf and trees while also setting up irrigation systems and hard landscaping features like patios. They often use heavy equipment and work mainly outdoors, requiring physical strength. Strong organisational skills are beneficial in this role. Lawn Care Technicians - also known as turf care specialists, are responsible for assessing the condition of lawns and applying the appropriate treatments to maintain their health and appearance. This typically involves analysing soil samples, identifying any issues such as weed infestations or diseases, and then applying fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides as necessary. Irrigation Installers and Maintenance Engineers - Skillful technicians maintain sprinkler systems to promote healthy landscapes, employing problem-solving abilities to ensure efficient operation. Tree Surgeons and Plant Care Technicians – Trees and plants require a significant amount of care. Trained and licensed arborists are needed for certain tasks, whilst technicians can perform basic pruning under supervision from experts in tree and plant science. Want to learn more about the various entry-level landscaping roles? Tak a look at our landscaping job roles pages to find out more about what each job role entails and the education paths and earning potentials of each role Specialist Landscaping Roles Different job roles in landscaping industries require specific skills. Some jobs need university qualifications, while others provide advancement opportunities through apprenticeships and hands-on training. Some of these include: Head Gardeners - Head Gardeners are key figures in the management and maintenance of large estates, public parks, or botanical gardens. They oversee a team of gardeners and horticulturalists, delegating tasks and ensuring that the grounds are kept in immaculate condition.Soil Scientist - Soil scientists analyse soil samples to provide information about its quality and structure for construction, agricultural, government, industrial and scientific staff.Botanists - Play a crucial role in the agricultural and environmental sectors by researching plant genetics, physiology, ecology, and more. They work to identify new plant species, develop new varieties for increased crop yields, and study the impact of climate change on plant life.Arborists – Arboriculturists plant and nurture trees, aiming to conserve them using their specialised skills and knowledge. Various professionals in the field focus on tree care, with arboriculturists obtaining specific certification.Landscaping crew supervisors - Formerly successful technicians are responsible for managing larger works projects and teams of people. They may serve as crew leaders and oversee crews or landscapers.Estimators - are meticulous professionals who compile material lists and estimate costs for projects. They collaborate with designers, installers, and landscape managers, requiring strong mathematical and organisational skills for success.  Indoor Landscaper - Interiorscapers bring nature inside by planting and caring for indoor plants in commercial spaces and homes. These plants enhance comfort, aesthetics and improve indoor air quality.Garden Designers and Architects - Design plans for improving existing landscapes or creating new ones for buildings. They create designs for both hard and soft landscaping elements. Landscape architects must hold a valid licence.Project Managers - Experienced landscape professionals who excel in organisational and time management, as well as client relations, often progress to become project managers for landscape accounts and projects.Procurement Managers - These individuals bargain with suppliers to ensure every project is equipped with top-quality products at optimal prices. They collaborate extensively with designers, cost estimators, and builders. Want to learn more about the various specialist landscaping roles? Tak a look at our landscaping job roles pages to find out more about what each specialised job role entails and the education paths and earning potentials of each role Management and Executive Opportunities: Successful individuals often progress to senior management and executive roles, where they play a crucial role in supporting their company's business. In these positions, they take on increased responsibilities such as assisting customers, mentoring staff, maintaining profitability, and seeking new business ventures.This could be you with the right skills, passion and experience Explore More About Landscaping FAQ’s Do you have questions about a career in landscaping? Take a look at the most common questions and misconceptions. Landscaping apprenticeships These apprenticeship schemes provide a fantastic opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in the landscaping industry. As an apprentice, you will work alongside experienced professionals, learning all aspects of landscaping from design to maintenance. Not only will you develop valuable skills, but you will also have the chance to earn while you learn. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to kickstart your career in landscaping! LEARN MORE Landscaping Courses Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or considering a career change, landscaping courses can provide the skills and knowledge needed to create beautiful and functional outdoor environments, work on engineering or construction projects, find new species of plants or help grow more food sustainably. There are so many options open to you. So why wait? Start your journey towards becoming a landscaping expert today! LEARN MORE ------------------------------------------------------------ # Career Pathways Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/career-pathways/ Published: 2024-05-13 Landscaping Career Opportunities: Employment Pathways Once you realise a career in landscaping is for you, you will need to look for landscaping courses, or go straight into looking for landscaping jobs.You can get into this role through various ways... View Job Roles College Courses An apprenticeship Work towards the role Apply directly A specialist training course Landscaping College Courses Taking a college course to get some of the skills you might need as a landscaper. You could do a: Level 1 Diploma in Skills for Working in Horticulture Industries. Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture. Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture. T Level in Agriculture, Land Management & Production. Learn More Landscaping Apprenticeships You can do an apprenticeship to get into work as a landscaper. You could do a: Horticulture & Landscape Operative Intermediate Apprenticeship. Landscape Supervisor Advanced Apprenticeship if you have already have some experience. Horticulture & Landscaping Technical Manager Higher Apprenticeship to progress to become a Landscaping Project Manger or Site Manager. Learn More SPECIALIST TRAINING COURSE Lorem ipsum odor amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Ultrices porta aenean ullamcorper venenatis neque litora. Vitae fermentum diam accumsan ultrices sodales quam. Pharetra gravida rutrum aliquam arcu adipiscing imperdiet phasellus sagittis neque. Dui netus parturient semper sem, facilisi vel. Vivamus ridiculus vestibulum lacinia lorem sollicitudin bibendum. Justo a justo himenaeos suscipit netus congue. Potenti eros primis ut felis vulputate sed nisl laoreet. Aliquam imperdiet risus magna hac est efficitur fringilla venenatis odio. Conubia est pharetra pellentesque enim nasc etur? Praesent a sollicitudin fames adipiscing efficitur lacinia etiam? Tempus vel velit vivamus dictum ipsum. Learn More Professional WORK Placements Lorem ipsum odor amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Ultrices porta aenean ullamcorper venenatis neque litora. Vitae fermentum diam accumsan ultrices sodales quam. Pharetra gravida rutrum aliquam arcu adipiscing imperdiet phasellus sagittis neque. Dui netus parturient semper sem, facilisi vel. Vivamus ridiculus vestibulum lacinia lorem sollicitudin bibendum. Justo a justo himenaeos suscipit netus congue. Potenti eros primis ut felis vulputate sed nisl laoreet. Aliquam imperdiet risus magna hac est efficitur fringilla venenatis odio. Conubia est pharera pellentesque enim nasc etur? Praesent a sollicitudin fames adipiscing efficitur lacinia etiam? Tempus vel velit vivamus dictum ipsum. Learn More Testimonials Career Stories Get inspired from individuals who have entered the landscaping industry through different paths. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Home Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/ Published: 2024-05-13 How to become a landscaper in the UK Discover your path to a career in landscaping and horticulture and unlock a new career in the great outdoors. Find out more about a career in the landscaping industry. View career paths Why a career as a landscape labourer might be right for you. If the thought of being cooped up in an office for the rest of your working days sends shivers down your spine, a career as a landscape labourer might just be the breath of fresh air you’re looking for. With over 80 careers available, and a wide variety of courses and apprenticeships to choose from, your options are wide and varied.GoLandscape will show you what it’s like to have a career in landscaping and how to become a landscaper in UK. You’ll find a wealth of inspiration, information, and advice on working in the exciting world of landscaping.We aim to explain everything you need to know about the landscaping industry. From how to get into landscaping to what it’s like to have a career in landscaping, we can give you all the information you want to know about careers in landscaping. We can put you in direct contact with employers who can help you find jobs in the landscaping industry. Career Quiz Finder Take Our Career Finder Quiz Find Out Which Landscaping Careers would suit you best and learn about the full variety of industry occupations. Discover the Landscaping Industry If you enjoy spending time outdoors, the landscape industry provides many attractive career options. Positions to suit all skillsets and interests. Certain roles in the landscape industry may require specialised training or education, such as a degree or diploma. Landscaping Job Roles The world of landscaping is broad and varied. Anywhere a building has been constructed a landscaper will be involved designing, creating and caring for the green spaces and gardens. View our detailed Job roles to help you find the right landscaping career for you. View Job Roles the pathway Getting in to the landscaping industry Once you realise a career in landscaping is for you, you will need to look for landscaping courses, or go straight into looking for landscaping jobs.You can get into this role through various ways. A college course An apprenticeship Work towards the role Apply directly A specialist training course View Job Roles College Courses Taking a college course to get some of the skills you might need as a landscaper.You could do a: Level 1 Diploma in Skills for Working in Horticulture Industries. Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture. Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture. T Level in Agriculture, Land Management & Production. Learn More Apprenticeships You can do an apprenticeship to get into work as a landscaper.You could do a: Horticulture & Landscape Operative Intermediate Apprenticeship. Landscape Supervisor Advanced Apprenticeship if you have already have some experience. Horticulture & Landscaping Technical Manager Higher Apprenticeship to progress to become a Landscaping Project Manger or Site Manager. Learn More Specialist Training Course For some roles in the landscaping sector - such as an arborist or ecologist - you may need additional specialist training.You could do a: Learn More Certificate of Competence in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting   Professional Work Placements You could start as an assistant landscaper in one of many UK landscaping companies. It might be useful to have some related work experience when you apply for jobs directly.Direct ApplicationBecause there are no set requirements to be a landscaper you can apply to local landscapers to start work for them.However it is more beneficial to employers if you have some knowledge and experience in horticulture. Learn More Landscaping Career Tips View All About golandscape The British Association of Landscape Industries and its members recognise the importance of introducing new talent into the landscaping industry in order to sustain, build-on, and develop this remarkable and rewarding sector. BALI is delighted to promote GoLandscape, an education, skills and careers initiative, designed to inform and inspire new recruits and combat industry issues, including a severe skills shortage. Learn more About BALI Learn more The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) is the UK’s largest Trade Association for professional Landscape Designers, Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Contractors, and suppliers of industry products and services. Established in 1972, it has a membership of over 900 organisations. ------------------------------------------------------------ # A day in the life of a greenkeeper: what the job is really like Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/day-in-the-life-greenkeeper/ Published: 2026-09-04 > A day in the life of a greenkeeper starts before sunrise and ends with a surface ready for play. Here is the job hour by hour, on golf courses and on pitches, plus what the work pays and how to get into it. A day in the life of a greenkeeper starts long before the first golfer reaches the tee, usually somewhere between five and six in the morning. You spend it cutting, marking, feeding and repairing playing surfaces, running specialist machinery and keeping a living crop alive under constant use. This guide takes you through a typical day on a golf course, what changes if you work on pitches instead, what the job pays and how you get into it. What a greenkeeper actually does A greenkeeper looks after a golf course. A groundsperson does much the same work on football, rugby, cricket, tennis and bowls surfaces. The job titles differ, the craft does not, and plenty of people move between the two during a career. GoLandscape covers both on the groundsperson and greenkeeper job role page. What most people miss is that turf is a living crop. Grass on a putting green is cut to a few millimetres, walked on by hundreds of people a week and expected to look immaculate in February and August alike. Keeping it alive at that height takes agronomy, which is the science of soil and crop management, alongside real skill with machinery. A greenkeeper is part horticulturist, part engineer and part groundworker. A greenkeeper’s day, hour by hour No two days are identical and the season changes everything. This is what a summer weekday tends to look like on a UK golf course. 5am to 7am: the course before anyone else sees it The team meets at the machinery shed, gets the day’s jobs allocated by the head greenkeeper or course manager, and heads out in the half light. First out are the jobs that have to happen before play starts: clearing dew and debris from the greens, raking bunkers, moving tee markers and changing hole positions so wear is spread across the green rather than concentrated in one spot. It is quiet, cold and, by most accounts, the best part of the day. 7am to 10am: cutting, and staying ahead of play Mowing is the backbone of the job. Greens, tees, fairways, semi rough and rough are cut to different heights on different rotations, using different machines. Once the first group tees off, the team works ahead of them and around them, which takes awareness and good communication as much as skill. Machinery is a big part of this. You will be trained on pedestrian and ride-on mowers, tractors and attachments, and in time on specialist kit like scarifiers and aerators. If that side appeals most, the machine operator role takes that further. We recommend asking a local club whether you can shadow the grounds team for one morning rather than asking for a week of work experience. A head greenkeeper who is nervous about committing to a fortnight will very often say yes to a 6am start on a Tuesday, and that morning tells you more than any careers leaflet. 10am to 1pm: the part that is closer to science Once the course is presentable, attention turns to keeping the turf healthy. Aeration relieves compacted soil so roots can breathe. Top dressing adds a thin layer of sand to smooth the surface and improve drainage. Feeding, overseeding and irrigation checks sit here too. There is a monitoring side too. Greenkeepers use moisture meters, watch for early signs of fungal disease and pest damage, and record what was applied and when. Any spraying is done by staff holding the relevant certificates, which is a recognised specialism in its own right. The pesticide operative role page explains how that route works. 1pm to 4pm: projects and machinery Afternoons are for the bigger jobs: bunker renovation, drainage work, path edging, hedge and tree work, irrigation repairs and construction projects. The day finishes with washing down, checking and servicing machines, and a look at tomorrow’s forecast. Turf work is planned around weather more than diaries. What changes if you work on pitches rather than a golf course The shape of the day is similar, but the pressure points move. A golf course is in use seven days a week, so greenkeeping is a constant rhythm. A pitch is used for a fixture, so the whole week builds towards one or two moments. In the days before a match you are mowing patterns into the surface and getting it to the right firmness and moisture. On the morning itself the work is line marking, setting goals or posts, and an inspection to confirm the surface is safe to play on. Afterwards the team goes back out to replace divots and repair the worst of the damage before it sets. Sports grounds also swing between seasons in a way golf does not. Summer sports hand over to winter sports, and the changeover involves major renovation: stripping, seeding, sand banding and rebuilding goalmouths and wickets. At a school, university or council you will often look after several surfaces and several sports at once. Golf has its own peak in tournament weeks, when greens may be double cut and rolled to increase pace and the team splits into an early shift that prepares the course and a late shift that repairs it after play. Either way, if you like sport, seeing a surface you prepared on television is one of the real perks. We recommend asking about start times and weekend rotas at interview, because early starts and some weekend work are normal in this industry rather than exceptional. People who go in expecting it settle far more quickly than people who find out in week two. What greenkeepers do in winter Winter is busy, not quiet. It is when the renovation happens: drainage projects, turf repairs, aeration programmes, machinery overhauls, hedge and tree work and planning for the season ahead. Start times are later because of daylight. It is also the honest part of the job. You will be outside in rain, frost and wind, and the work is physical. Most people treat that as the trade off for never sitting at a desk, but go in with your eyes open. What does a greenkeeper earn in the UK? Pay is driven by three things: the level of responsibility you carry, the type of venue and the region. GoLandscape’s groundsperson and greenkeeper role page gives these ranges as a guide: Trainee and apprentice: around £13,500 to £18,000 Qualified greenkeeper or groundsperson: around £19,000 to £24,000 Senior, deputy head or supervisor: around £25,000 to £30,000 Head groundsperson, head greenkeeper or course manager: £35,000 or more Professional clubs, championship courses and contract grounds companies sit at the upper end. Small clubs, schools and council roles sit lower but often come with steadier hours and good training support, which matters more than the headline figure when you are starting out. For a wider breakdown see the grounds maintenance salary guide, and the National Careers Service publishes an independent groundsperson job profile with pay and working hours. The career ladder, from apprentice to course manager The route runs from apprentice or assistant, to qualified greenkeeper, to deputy head, to head greenkeeper or course manager, and then on to estates management, consultancy or training. Plenty of people running large venues today started as a 16 year old raking bunkers. If that sounds like your kind of day, here is the first step You do not need a degree, and you do not need to have decided at 14. Most people come in one of three ways. An apprenticeship. In England the main entry route is the Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper standard, which typically takes around 24 months, with a Level 3 available afterwards for technical and supervisory work. Sports turf standards cover the pitch side. Start with landscape and horticulture apprenticeships. A college course. Level 1 to Level 3 qualifications in sports turf, greenkeeping or horticulture are widely available. Use the training providers directory to find something near you. A job first, training later. Many clubs take on seasonal or weekend staff in spring and train them up. It is a common route in and there is no shame in it. Qualification names, funding rules and apprenticeship arrangements differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check the position for your nation before committing to anything. If you do one thing this week, email one local club or grounds team and ask whether they take seasonal staff or work experience. Late winter and early spring is when that lands best, because it is when teams plan for the busy season. We recommend applying to more than one type of venue. Students at careers events almost always picture a championship golf course, but councils, schools, universities and cricket clubs all employ grounds staff and are usually far easier places to get a first foot in the door. Greenkeeper FAQs What time do greenkeepers start work? Early starts are standard, typically between five and six in the morning during the growing season, so the course is ready before play begins. Winter starts are later because of daylight, and hours vary by employer. Do you need qualifications to become a greenkeeper? No, not to get started. Many people begin as assistants or seasonal staff and train on the job. An apprenticeship or college qualification in sports turf or greenkeeping makes progression to senior roles much quicker. Is a greenkeeper the same as a groundsperson? Almost. A greenkeeper works on a golf course, a groundsperson on pitches and playing fields such as football, rugby and cricket. The skills overlap heavily and people move between the two regularly. Do greenkeepers work weekends? Usually some, yes. Courses and pitches are busiest at weekends, so most teams run a rota, balanced by quieter periods in the off season. Do I need good GCSE grades to get into greenkeeping? Entry requirements are set by individual employers, and many will take you on with maths and English at a basic level or support you to reach it during an apprenticeship. Reliability, an interest in turf and a willingness to be out in bad weather count for a great deal at interview. Ready to take a closer look? If the early starts and outdoor work sound like your kind of day, the groundsperson and greenkeeper career guide covers qualifications, skills and progression in full. When you are ready to apply, current vacancies are listed on the GoLandscape job board. Still weighing things up? The landscaping career quiz takes about five minutes and matches your strengths to roles across the industry. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Results Day: What To Do If You Want To Go Into Landscaping Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/results-day-landscaping-careers/ Published: 2026-08-24 You've opened the envelope. Maybe it didn't go the way you hoped. Maybe you're not sure what happens next. Either way, you're not stuck, and you haven't run out of options. Thousands of young people face this moment every August, and for a lot of them, results day turns out to be the start of something far better than they expected. If you've ever thought about working outdoors, building things with your hands, or creating green spaces that people actually enjoy, then landscaping and horticulture could be exactly where you're meant to be. This post will walk you through your real options, no fluff, no pressure. Just practical information to help you take your next step with confidence. First, Take a Breath Results don't define your future. In landscaping, your work does. This is an industry where what you can do matters far more than what grade you got in a classroom. Employers are looking for people who are reliable, enthusiastic, and willing to learn. The skills that make someone brilliant at this work, attention to detail, a love of the outdoors, creativity, problem-solving, are things no exam can measure. So if your grades weren't what you needed, keep reading. There are several solid routes into a career you'll genuinely enjoy. What Landscaping and Horticulture Actually Involves Before we get into routes, it's worth being clear about what this industry actually covers, because it's a lot broader than most people realise. Landscaping and horticulture spans everything from garden design and construction to grounds maintenance, arboriculture (tree care), ecology, sports turf management, and urban greening. There are over 80 different job roles in the sector. Whether you're hands-on practical, creatively minded, or interested in the science behind plants and soil, there's likely a route that fits. It's also a growing industry. Green infrastructure, rewilding, and sustainable design are pushing real demand for skilled people. The skills shortage is real, which means employers are actively looking for new talent. You could be exactly what they need. Route 1: Apprenticeships (No Specific Grades Required) This is one of the most popular and practical routes into the industry, and the good news is that most apprenticeships in landscaping and horticulture don't require specific GCSE grades to apply. An apprenticeship lets you earn a wage while you learn on the job. You'll spend most of your time working with an employer, gaining real skills in the field, while also completing structured training. By the time you finish, you'll have a nationally recognised qualification and real work experience behind you. In England, apprenticeships in this sector include: Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative (Level 2) — a great starting point for school leavers Landscape or Horticulture Supervisor (Level 3) — for those ready to take on more responsibility Arborist (Level 2 and Level 3) — for anyone drawn to tree surgery and woodland management Entry requirements vary by employer, but many are far more interested in your attitude and enthusiasm than your results. Some will ask for basic literacy and numeracy, but formal grades at specific levels are rarely the barrier people expect. You can explore apprenticeship routes in detail at golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscape-apprenticeship/. Route 2: College Courses With Flexible Entry If you'd prefer to study before going straight into work, colleges across the UK offer a wide range of land-based courses with open entry requirements. Many will accept you based on an interview and your enthusiasm for the subject, not just your grades. Courses range from Level 1 introductory diplomas right through to Level 3 extended diplomas, and some colleges also offer T Levels in agriculture, land management, and production, which include a substantial industry placement as part of the qualification. Subjects you could study include: Horticulture and garden design Landscape construction Arboriculture and forestry Environmental conservation Greenkeeping and sports turf The Royal Horticultural Society also offers its own qualifications through colleges and training providers across the country, which are highly regarded by employers in the sector. To find a training provider near you, GoLandscape has a directory that makes it easy to search by location and course type. Route 3: Go Straight Into Work Some of the best people in the industry started at the bottom and worked their way up without a formal qualification in sight. Direct employment is a completely legitimate route, especially if you're the kind of person who learns best by doing. Many landscape and grounds maintenance companies take on trainees or entry-level labourers with no prior experience. You'll earn as you go, pick up practical skills fast, and can always layer in qualifications later through part-time study or day-release programmes. If this sounds like the right fit for you, browsing job vacancies in landscaping is a good place to start. Head to golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-jobs/ to see what's available. Not Sure Which Direction Suits You? If you're not sure whether you'd prefer design, construction, maintenance, ecology, or something else entirely, the GoLandscape career quiz is worth five minutes of your time. It helps you figure out which roles in the industry suit your personality and interests, based on simple questions about how you work and what you enjoy. What About Pay? One of the common misconceptions about this industry is that it doesn't pay well. That's outdated thinking. Here's a rough guide to what you can expect at different stages: Career StageTypical Salary RangeEntry level (trainee, labourer)£18,000 to £22,000Skilled operative (3 to 5 years experience)£24,000 to £32,000Supervisor or team leader£30,000 to £38,000Landscape designer or project manager£35,000 to £50,000+ Salaries vary by region, employer, and specialism, but progression is real and relatively fast for people who are committed. Hear It From People Who've Done It Sometimes the most reassuring thing isn't advice, it's hearing from someone who was in a similar position and found their way through. GoLandscape has a collection of success stories from people across the industry, from school leavers who started as apprentices to career changers who left desk jobs behind to work outdoors. Their experiences are honest, varied, and genuinely worth reading. A Note for Parents Reading This If your child is disappointed with their results today and you're trying to help them figure out what comes next, landscaping and horticulture is worth a serious conversation. This is a skilled profession with genuine career progression, professional qualifications, and growing demand. BALI (the British Association of Landscape Industries) represents thousands of professional businesses across the UK and is actively working to attract the next generation of talent into the industry. You can find out more about the sector at bali.org.uk. The question isn't whether there's a future in this industry. There clearly is. The question is whether it's the right fit for your child. The career quiz and the job role pages on GoLandscape can help answer that. Your Next Step Results day feels huge when you're in it. In a few years, you'll likely look back on it as just one moment in a much bigger story. If landscaping or horticulture is calling to you, even slightly, don't ignore it. This industry needs people who care about what they do, and it offers something that a lot of careers simply don't: work you can see, touch, and be proud of at the end of every day. Here's what you can do right now: Take the career quiz to find which roles suit you: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscape-career-quiz/ Explore apprenticeships to find an earn-while-you-learn route: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscape-apprenticeship/ Browse job roles to understand what's out there: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-jobs/ You've got options. Now go and use them. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Why Is There a Skills Shortage in UK Landscaping? Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-skills-shortage-uk/ Published: 2026-08-17 The gap between the number of skilled landscaping professionals the industry needs and the number actually available has been building for years. Several factors have contributed to this. An ageing workforce, a relatively low number of apprentices across the sector, and a growing demand for specialist skills such as soil science, landscape design and biosecurity have all played a role. At the same time, 70% of businesses in the horticulture sector report struggling to fill vacancies, with 83% attributing this to the poor perception of horticulture in schools and colleges. Many young people simply do not know the industry exists in the way it does, or assume it offers limited prospects. That misconception is costing the sector talent it urgently needs. Brexit has also had a lasting effect. Workers from overseas who previously supplied much of the landscaping workforce have been deterred from coming to the UK, leaving gaps that companies are struggling to fill. The result is a sector with more work than it can handle and not enough skilled people to do it. The skills shortage in UK landscaping what it means for job seekers What the Numbers Tell Us The scale of the challenge is significant. The ornamental horticulture sector contributes more than £24 billion to the UK economy and supports over 560,000 jobs, yet labour shortages remain a critical issue for many businesses across the sector. According to a BALI members survey, 42% of businesses said their biggest skills shortage was in hard landscaping, while 22% identified maintenance as a key gap. A recent Lantra and BALI research project found that 8 in 10 landscaping businesses reported difficulty recruiting apprentices, highlighting just how much demand there is for people willing to enter the industry through structured training routes. BALI established GoLandscape specifically as an education, skills and careers initiative to inform and inspire new recruits and combat the severe skills shortage in the sector. It is a direct response to the problem, and it tells you everything about just how real that demand is. Why This Is Good News If You Are Considering a Career in Landscaping You Are Walking Into a Market That Needs You When 70% of businesses are struggling to fill vacancies, job seekers are in a strong position. You do not need to compete with hundreds of applicants for every role. Employers are actively looking for people who are motivated and willing to learn. This is especially true if you come from a different background. Career changers bring problem-solving skills, life experience and work ethic that many employers find genuinely valuable. You do not need years of experience to get started. You need the willingness to learn and the drive to show up. Job Security Is Built In In an industry that cannot fill its vacancies, your skills become harder to replace. Once you are trained and working, you are exactly the kind of person employers want to hold onto. That stability matters, particularly if you are leaving a role where redundancy feels like a constant background noise. The landscaping industry is also largely recession-resistant. Green spaces, parks, domestic gardens, commercial grounds and infrastructure projects all require ongoing maintenance regardless of what the wider economy is doing. Horticulture and landscaping are not luxuries; they are necessities. Progression Happens Faster When there are fewer people to promote from, the people who are there tend to move up more quickly. If you are ambitious and prepared to develop your skills, the combination of strong demand and limited supply means your career can progress at a pace that would be difficult to achieve in a saturated job market. The majority of students who graduate from RHS horticulture programmes move into employment or advanced training, with many quickly taking on skilled or leadership roles within the sector. Pay Is Improving Employers competing for a limited pool of skilled workers have had to improve what they offer. Pay in landscaping has risen noticeably in recent years as businesses recognise they need to attract and retain people. Horticulture Week’s annual salary survey consistently shows progression at every level of the industry, from entry-level operatives through to senior designers and project managers. What Roles Are Actually Available? The landscaping industry is far broader than most people realise. It is not just about cutting grass or planting shrubs, though those are perfectly valid and well-paid roles. The range of careers available spans design, ecology, construction, management, arboriculture and far beyond. Here is a snapshot of roles currently in demand across the sector: RoleWhat It InvolvesEntry RouteLandscape OperativePlanting, maintenance, grounds careApprenticeship or direct entryHard LandscaperPaving, walls, water features, constructionApprenticeship or on-the-job trainingLandscape DesignerCreating plans for outdoor spacesDegree, Level 3 diploma or apprenticeshipArboristTree care and managementApprenticeship or specialist trainingGrounds Maintenance ProfessionalManaging parks, sports pitches, estatesApprenticeship or direct entryEcologistEnvironmental assessment and biodiversityDegree level or specialist trainingProject ManagerOverseeing landscape contractsProgression from operative level You can explore the full range of landscaping job roles at GoLandscape to find something that fits your skills and interests. How to Get Into the Industry The good news is that the routes in are genuinely accessible. You do not need a degree to get started, and many of the most successful professionals in the sector came from completely different backgrounds before finding their feet in landscaping or horticulture. Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways into the industry. You earn while you learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications and build real experience from day one. Applications for RHS horticulture apprenticeships were up 28% in 2024, showing a growing appetite for this route. Find out more about landscape apprenticeships on GoLandscape to see what options are available and how to apply. College Courses and T Levels If you prefer a college route, there are Level 1 to Level 3 diplomas in horticulture and landscaping available across the UK. T Level courses in agriculture, land management and production have been introduced as a qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels, offering a strong alternative pathway for those who prefer classroom-based learning alongside practical placements. Direct Entry and On-the-Job Training Many employers will take on motivated people with no formal qualifications and train them from scratch. If you are a career changer with transferable skills, this can be one of the fastest routes to getting your first role in the industry. The career changer section at GoLandscape has been built specifically with people like you in mind. Is This the Right Industry for You? If you are drawn to outdoor work, enjoy variety, take pride in what you build or maintain, and want a career with long-term stability, landscaping deserves serious consideration. The skills shortage in UK landscaping is not going away quickly. Businesses across the sector expect the number of required skilled roles to increase, with concerns about labour and skills availability remaining high for the foreseeable future. That means the window of opportunity for people entering the industry now is wide open. The demand is there. The employers are there. The training routes are there. Not sure which direction suits you best? Take the GoLandscape career quiz to find out which roles match your interests and strengths. And if you want to see what a real career in this industry looks like, the GoLandscape success stories are full of people who made the same decision you are considering right now. The industry needs you. The only question is when you decide to take the first step. External source: House of Lords Library: The UK’s Horticultural Sector Internal Links Used in This Post Career Quizgolandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscape-career-quiz/Apprenticeshipsgolandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscape-apprenticeship/Job Rolesgolandscape.co.uk/landscaping-jobs/Success Storiesgolandscape.co.uk/landscaping-success-stories/Career Changer Sectiongolandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscaping-career-stages/career-changer/BALI External Linkbali.org.uk/about/golandscape/ ------------------------------------------------------------ # What Is Biodiversity Net Gain and What Does It Mean for Landscaping Careers? Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/biodiversity-net-gain-landscaping-careers/ Published: 2026-08-10 If you have been thinking about a career that genuinely makes a difference to the natural world, there has never been a better moment to pay attention to what is happening in landscaping and ecology right now. On 12 February 2024, biodiversity net gain became law in England, representing the biggest change to planning regulations in decades. That single shift has quietly transformed the job market for anyone with an interest in habitats, landscape planning, horticulture, and ecology. New roles are being created, existing ones are expanding, and employers across the country are actively looking for people with the right knowledge. So what does this actually mean, and where do you fit in? What is biodiversity net gain and what does it mean for landscaping careers What Is Biodiversity Net Gain? Biodiversity net gain, often shortened to BNG, is a legal requirement that means any new development in England must leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before building work began. Developers must deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain, achieved either by enhancing existing habitats on site, creating new ones, or using off-site land. Any habitat created or enhanced through BNG must be maintained for at least 30 years after development is completed. In practical terms, this means that before a housing estate, road, or commercial building can go ahead, someone has to survey the land, calculate the biodiversity value of what is there, and produce a plan showing how the development will end up with more nature than it started with. That plan is legally binding and has to be submitted before a single spade goes into the ground. The process involves mapping different vegetation types on a development site, then using the national biodiversity metric to determine the value of those habitats in biodiversity units. Developers must submit a biodiversity gain plan showing how at least a 10% gain in those units will be delivered over a 30-year period. It sounds technical, because it is. And that is precisely why the people who understand it are so much in demand. Why BNG Matters for Your Career Before BNG became mandatory, ecological considerations in planning were often treated as an afterthought or a box to tick. Now they sit at the heart of every major development application in England. When considering biodiversity value, developers are required to consult an ecologist who will measure the biodiversity value of existing habitats and advise on suitable habitat creation or enhancement for the land. That creates a very direct and growing need for trained professionals at every stage of the process, from initial site surveys through to the design, delivery, and long-term monitoring of habitats. And because the 30-year maintenance obligation is built into law, this is not a short-term employment spike. It is a structural, permanent shift in how the industry works. For anyone considering a career change into something more meaningful and future-proof, that matters a great deal. The Roles Involved in Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain BNG is not a one-person job. Delivering it well requires a whole team of professionals working across ecology, landscape architecture, planning, and practical land management. Here is a breakdown of the key roles involved. Ecologist Ecologists are central to the BNG process. They carry out the baseline habitat surveys, calculate biodiversity unit values, advise developers on how to meet their obligations, and oversee the monitoring of habitats over time. Demand for ecologists with BNG experience has risen sharply since the legislation came into force, with roles advertised across local authorities, consultancies, wildlife trusts, and private developers. If you have a background in biology, environmental science, or horticulture, an ecology route could be a very natural progression. Landscape Planner and Landscape Architect Landscape planners and architects work at the design end of BNG, shaping how habitats are integrated into new developments. They translate ecological requirements into physical spaces, specifying the right planting, water features, grassland management, and tree cover to achieve the required biodiversity units while also creating places that people want to live and work in. This is a role where creativity and scientific understanding go hand in hand. Knowledge of native plant species, soil conditions, and seasonal planting, the kind of foundation you build through horticulture and landscape training, is directly applicable here. Habitat Creation and Management Specialist Once the plans are signed off, someone has to actually create and manage the habitats. This is hands-on, outdoor work that draws on practical skills in planting, grassland restoration, pond creation, woodland management, and ongoing ecological monitoring. These roles sit firmly within the landscaping and horticulture world and are growing fast as more BNG sites come into active management. GIS and Biodiversity Data Technician Planning authorities and larger consultancies also need people who can handle mapping and spatial data. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills are increasingly valued in ecology roles, particularly for land-use change assessments and BNG site registers. Local Authority Ecology Officer Local authorities now have increased statutory biodiversity duties under the Environment Act, and many are recruiting dedicated BNG ecology officers to work across planning, rural estates, flood risk, and highways departments on habitat banking and nature recovery projects. These are stable, well-rounded public sector roles for people who enjoy variety and want to make a tangible local impact. What Qualifications and Skills Do You Need? There is no single route into BNG-related work, which is actually good news. The field draws on a wide range of backgrounds, and employers are actively looking for people who can combine ecological knowledge with practical skills. Relevant degree subjects Ecology, environmental science, geography, landscape architecture, conservation biology, and horticulture all provide strong foundations. Some universities now offer specialist modules in ecological planning and BNG assessment. Vocational qualifications and apprenticeships You do not need a degree to work in this area. Level 3 diplomas in horticulture, environmental conservation, or land-based studies give you the practical knowledge that underpins much of the on-the-ground BNG delivery work. A landscape apprenticeship can be an excellent way to earn while you build the skills that BNG employers are looking for. Find out more at golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscape-apprenticeship/. Professional membership and CPD The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is the main professional body for ecologists in the UK. Membership, and working towards Chartered Ecologist status, demonstrates credibility in the field. Many employers now expect BNG-related Continuing Professional Development as standard. Useful additional skills GIS software, report writing, knowledge of native plant species and UK habitat classifications, and experience with the national biodiversity metric tool are all practical skills that will strengthen your profile considerably. If you are not sure where your existing knowledge sits, the GoLandscape career quiz is a good place to start. It can help you identify which roles in the landscaping and horticulture sector match your interests and current background: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscape-career-quiz/. A Route Into BNG Careers: Step by Step Whether you are a school leaver, a university graduate, or someone thinking about a career change, here is a practical starting framework. Build your ecological foundation. Study a relevant qualification or apprenticeship in horticulture, landscape management, or environmental science. Practical knowledge of native species, habitats, and land management gives you a head start. Get your hands dirty. Volunteering with a local wildlife trust, nature reserve, or conservation group gives you real experience of habitat survey work and ecological monitoring. Many ecologists start this way. Learn the BNG metric. Defra publishes the statutory biodiversity metric tool free of charge. Familiarising yourself with how it works will set you apart from other candidates. Connect with the industry. BALI, the British Association of Landscape Industries, is the UK's leading trade body for professional landscapers and landscape contractors. Through bali.org.uk you can find members working in ecological and landscape design disciplines, a useful network to tap into. Consider your specialism. BNG offers multiple career directions: ecology and surveying, landscape design and planning, practical habitat management, data and mapping, or local authority advisory work. Understanding which direction suits you will help you target your training and experience more effectively. Is BNG Work Right for a Career Changer? If you are already working in a different field and wondering whether a move into BNG-related work is realistic, the honest answer is yes, it can be, particularly if you are willing to invest in the right training. People come into ecology and landscape work from a huge variety of backgrounds: agriculture, teaching, construction, conservation volunteering, and even entirely unrelated sectors. What matters is a genuine interest in the natural environment and a willingness to build practical knowledge. The career changer section on GoLandscape has specific guidance for people making exactly this kind of transition, with advice on where to start and how to find the right training pathway:  golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscaping-career-stages/career-changer/. You can also browse success stories from people who have moved into the industry from other walks of life at golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-success-stories/, which can be genuinely reassuring when you are weighing up a big decision. The Bigger Picture BNG is part of a broader direction of travel. The government's Environment Act set out ambitious targets for nature recovery across England, and landscaping, horticulture, and ecology are positioned right at the centre of delivering them. The skills developed in this sector, understanding habitats, working with plants and soil, knowing how land responds to different management approaches, are precisely the skills that policymakers and developers now need. That is a meaningful shift. Careers in this space are no longer just about making spaces look beautiful, though that matters too. They are increasingly about restoring and protecting the ecosystems that everything else depends on. Ready to Explore Your Options? If you are curious about where a career in landscaping or ecology could take you, the best place to start is by exploring the job roles on GoLandscape. You will find detailed profiles for ecologists, landscape planners, habitat managers, and many other roles connected to BNG and nature recovery work: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-jobs/. You can also take the career quiz to get a personalised steer based on your interests: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscape-career-quiz/. Or explore apprenticeship options if you want to earn while you learn: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscape-apprenticeship/. The opportunities are real, they are growing, and the timing has never been better. External Source Natural England: Get Ready for New Biodiversity Net Gain Legislation Internal Links Used in This Post Career quiz: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscape-career-quiz/ Apprenticeships: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscape-apprenticeship/ Job roles: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-jobs/ Success stories: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-success-stories/ Career changer section: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscaping-career-stages/career-changer/ BALI external: bali.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------------ # Green Jobs in the UK: Why Landscaping Is at the Centre of It Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/green-jobs-landscaping-uk/ Published: 2026-08-03 You've probably heard the term 'green jobs' a lot lately. It's everywhere, from government reports to career advice columns to university open days. But when most people picture a green job, they think of solar panels, electric vehicles, or lab-based environmental research. Green jobs in the UK why landscaping is at the centre of it What rarely gets mentioned? The person designing the urban park that keeps a city cool in summer. The ecologist restoring a wildflower meadow on the edge of a new housing development. The arborist managing ancient woodland so it can absorb carbon for another century. Landscaping and horticulture are green jobs. And right now, they matter more than almost any other profession in the shift towards a sustainable future. What Actually Counts as a Green Job? There's no single official definition, but the general consensus is that green jobs are roles that contribute to protecting or restoring the natural environment, reducing carbon emissions, or building infrastructure that can withstand a changing climate. By that measure, a huge proportion of the landscaping and horticulture sector qualifies. These are industries built around working with living systems, managing land responsibly, and creating environments that support both people and wildlife. The UK government's Green Jobs Taskforce has identified the natural environment and land management sectors as critical to meeting net zero targets. This isn't background noise. It's a signal that careers in this space are only going to grow in demand. The Forces Driving Demand for Landscape Professionals Biodiversity Net Gain Since November 2023, most new developments in England have been legally required to deliver a measurable improvement to biodiversity as part of the planning process. This is called Biodiversity Net Gain, and it has fundamentally changed what gets built and how land around it is managed. Developers now need ecologists, landscape designers, and habitat specialists to help them meet these requirements. That's not a short-term spike in demand. It's a permanent shift in how the built environment works. Urban Greening and Climate-Resilient Cities Urban greening is no longer just about making cities look nicer. It's an essential climate strategy. Trees, green roofs, wetlands, and planted spaces all reduce the urban heat island effect, manage surface water flooding, improve air quality, and support mental health. Local authorities, housing developers, and transport bodies across the UK are investing in green infrastructure at a scale that simply wasn't happening a decade ago. The professionals designing, installing, and maintaining that infrastructure are landscape architects, horticulturalists, grounds managers, and ecological consultants. Rewilding Rewilding projects are expanding across the UK, from large-scale upland restoration in Scotland to smaller community-led projects in suburban England. These projects need people who understand land, ecology, and plant systems in practical, hands-on ways. Many rewilding roles sit squarely within the broader horticulture and ecology space, and demand for people with these skills is growing year on year. The Skills Gap Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough. The landscaping and horticulture industries have a significant and well-documented skills shortage. There are more opportunities than there are qualified people to fill them. That's a problem for the industry, but it's an opportunity for you. If you're exploring a career change or thinking about what to study, entering a sector that is actively looking for people is a very different experience to competing in an overcrowded field. The Roles That Are Most Relevant Green jobs in UK landscaping span a wide range of specialisms. Here are some of the roles most directly connected to the environmental agenda: Ecologist Assesses and monitors habitats and species, often as part of planning applications or land management projects. Increasingly in demand due to Biodiversity Net Gain legislation. Landscape Architect Designs outdoor spaces with an eye on ecology, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability. Works on everything from city parks to flood management schemes. Arborist Manages trees for health, safety, and ecological value. Urban trees are increasingly recognised as critical infrastructure, not just decoration. Grounds Manager Oversees the maintenance of parks, sports facilities, and public open spaces. Modern grounds management increasingly involves ecological best practice and sustainable maintenance techniques. Horticulturalist A broad term covering the science and practice of growing and managing plants. Horticulture professionals work in everything from public parks to private estates to research and development. Conservation Officer Works to protect and enhance landscapes, habitats, and biodiversity. Often found in local authorities, charities, and land management organisations. You can explore all of these roles and many more in the job roles section at GoLandscape. Is This the Career for You? Green jobs in UK landscaping aren't just for people who studied environmental science at university. Many of the most skilled professionals in the sector came through practical routes, including apprenticeships, college qualifications, and career changes from completely unrelated fields. If you care about the environment and want to work in a way that directly contributes to tackling climate change, you don't need to retrain as a scientist or an engineer. There are accessible, well-supported pathways into this sector at every level. Starting Out If you're at school or college, a Level 2 or Level 3 diploma in horticulture, countryside management, or a related subject is a strong foundation. T Levels in Agriculture, Land Management and Production are also now available, combining classroom learning with meaningful industry placements. Landscape apprenticeships are another excellent route. You earn while you learn, build practical skills from day one, and come out with a nationally recognised qualification. Changing Career Already working in another field but drawn to a career that feels more purposeful? You're not alone. A growing number of people are making the switch into landscaping and horticulture specifically because they want their work to mean something beyond the office. The career changer section on GoLandscape walks you through how to make the move, what qualifications are worth considering, and what your first steps might look like. Many career changers find that skills from previous roles translate better than they expect. Project management, client communication, technical drawing, and scientific thinking are all valued in this sector. What a Career in Green Landscaping Actually Looks Like It's worth being honest about what working in this sector involves. These are not desk jobs. The work is physical, often outdoors in all weathers, and varies enormously depending on the role and employer. What people consistently say, though, is that the variety is one of the most rewarding aspects. No two projects are the same. You might spend one week restoring a wetland habitat and the next designing a rooftop garden for a city office block. The success stories on GoLandscape give a genuine picture of what careers in the industry look like, told by the people who are actually living them. It's well worth a read before you make any decisions. Practical Overview: Entry Routes Into Green Landscape Careers RouteTypical AgeDurationOutcomeLandscape Apprenticeship16 and above2 to 3 yearsLevel 2 or 3 qualification plus experienceCollege Diploma (Level 1 to 3)16 to 181 to 2 yearsIndustry recognised qualificationT Level (Land Management)16 to 182 yearsUCAS points plus industry placementUniversity Degree (Landscape Architecture, Ecology, Horticulture)18 and above3 to 4 yearsBSc or BA, opens senior rolesCareer Changer Short CoursesAny ageVariesPractical skills and recognised CPD The Bigger Picture The shift towards a greener economy is not a trend that will peak and fade. It is a structural change in how countries, cities, and businesses operate. The UK has made legally binding commitments to net zero, to halting species decline, and to building infrastructure that can cope with a changing climate. All of that requires people who can work with land, plants, and living ecosystems. Green jobs in UK landscaping are not a niche corner of the environmental sector. They are at the centre of it. If you are trying to figure out whether this is the right direction for you, the GoLandscape career quiz is a good place to start. It takes a few minutes, asks about your interests and working style, and points you towards roles that might suit you well. The skills gap in this industry means that motivated, curious people are genuinely needed. The question is whether you want to be part of it.GoLandscape is run by BALI, the British Association of Landscape Industries, the UK's largest trade association for professional landscape designers and contractors. ------------------------------------------------------------ # A Day in the Life of a Landscape Apprentice Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/day-in-the-life-landscape-apprentice/ Published: 2026-07-27 You're up before most people have hit snooze. It's half six, it's probably raining, and you're layering up before heading out to meet the van. Sound familiar? If you're weighing up whether a landscaping apprenticeship is right for you, here's the honest version of what it's actually like. No glossy brochure stuff. Just a real look at what your days can look like when you're starting out. A day in the life of a landscape apprentice (1) The Early Start (Yes, It's Real) Most landscaping teams get going early. A typical start time is somewhere between 7am and 7:30am, depending on the job and how far you're travelling. You'll usually meet at a depot or yard, load the van with equipment, and head out to site. Those first few minutes in the van matter more than you'd think. You'll get the rundown on the day's job, what needs doing, and your role within it. It's a good chance to ask questions before the work begins. If mornings aren't your thing right now, most apprentices say they get used to it quickly, especially once they're outside in the fresh air and actually doing something with their hands. What a Typical Site Day Looks Like There's no single 'typical' day in landscaping, and that's one of the things people grow to love about it. One day you might be laying turf on a new residential garden. The next, you're helping with planting schemes, pruning, or setting out hard landscaping features like patios or pathways. In your first few months, you'll spend a lot of time learning the basics properly: How to use and maintain tools and machinery safely Plant identification and understanding soil types How to read a landscape plan or brief Basic construction techniques for hard landscaping How to work efficiently as part of a team You won't be thrown in at the deep end on day one. Most companies pair apprentices with experienced landscapers who guide them through tasks and explain the reasoning behind decisions. That hands-on learning is where a lot of the real knowledge sticks. College Days: The Other Half of Your Week A landscaping apprenticeship isn't all outdoor work. You'll typically spend one or two days a week at college, depending on your programme, working towards a qualification like a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture or Landscaping, or a relevant T Level if your provider offers one. College days cover the theoretical side of things: plant science, design principles, sustainability, business skills, and health and safety. At first, it might feel like a different world from what you're doing on site. But it clicks into place. Understanding why plants behave a certain way, or what makes a design work, makes you sharper on the job. Most apprentices say the mix of site work and college study keeps things interesting. You're never stuck doing the same thing day after day, and you're building two kinds of knowledge at once. If you want to explore what apprenticeships involve in more detail, the GoLandscape apprenticeships page has a clear breakdown of what to expect. The Social Side: Working as Part of a Team Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough in the career guides: the team culture in landscaping is genuinely good. You spend a lot of time with the same small group of people. You travel together, work together, eat lunch together (usually on a tailgate or a wall somewhere). There's a lot of banter, a lot of problem-solving, and a real sense of pride when a job comes together well. For people coming straight from school, it can feel surprisingly different from the classroom. You're treated as a colleague, not a student. You're expected to pull your weight, but you're also supported properly. For career changers moving from desk-based jobs, the camaraderie is often one of the things they mention most. If you're considering making the switch, have a look at the career changer section on GoLandscape to see how others have made the move. What You're Actually Learning in the First Few Months The early stage of a landscaping apprenticeship is about building a foundation. Here's a realistic picture of what that looks like across the first three to six months: MonthWhat You're Focusing On1 to 2Tool safety, manual handling, basic plant knowledge, site etiquette3 to 4Hard landscaping basics, planting techniques, reading plans5 to 6Taking on more responsibility on site, college assessments, portfolio work Progress varies person to person, and different employers move at different paces. But most apprentices feel noticeably more confident by the time they reach the six-month mark. You stop feeling like a newcomer and start feeling like part of the crew. The Horticulture Side: More Than Just Mowing One thing that surprises a lot of new apprentices is how much horticulture knowledge comes into play, even on straightforward commercial jobs. Understanding plant behaviour, seasonal cycles, soil health, and which species work in which conditions isn't just interesting. It's practical knowledge that makes you better at your job and more valuable to your employer. The horticulture element of the training gives you a genuine understanding of the living systems you're working with, not just the mechanics of maintaining them. Explore more about the full range of roles that blend landscaping and horticulture on the GoLandscape job roles page. The Royal Horticultural Society is also a brilliant resource for deepening your plant knowledge as you progress, with qualifications and guidance that complement apprenticeship training well. End of Day: What You Go Home With By late afternoon, around 4pm to 5pm, the tools are cleaned, the van is packed, and the day is done. You'll be tired in a physical way that's different from sitting at a desk all day. Most people find it satisfying rather than draining. There's something grounding about finishing a day's work and being able to look at something tangible. A garden that's been transformed. A border that's been properly planted up. A pathway that wasn't there this morning. That visibility of your own progress is something a lot of apprentices talk about when you ask them what they enjoy most. Is a Landscaping Apprenticeship Right for You? A landscaping apprentice day isn't glamorous every single day. You'll work in cold weather, deal with physically demanding tasks, and have to stay sharp both on site and in the classroom. But it gives you a real skill set, a proper qualification, an income from day one, and a career that takes you in more directions than most people realise. If you're not sure which direction in landscaping suits you, the GoLandscape career quiz is a good place to start. It matches your interests and strengths to specific roles in the industry, and takes about five minutes. You can also read first-hand accounts from people who've built careers in the sector on the success stories page, which covers a wide range of roles and routes in. If the early starts, outdoor work, and hands-on learning sound like your kind of thing, the next step is simple. Find out more about how to get started with an apprenticeship and take it from there. GoLandscape is run by BALI, the British Association of Landscape Industries, the UK's largest trade association for professional landscapers and designers. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Interview Tips for Your First Landscaping or Horticulture Job Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-interview-tips/ Published: 2026-07-20 Whether you spotted a vacancy on a local landscaping company’s website, applied for an apprenticeship, or got referred by someone in the industry, landing that first interview can feel both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. What will they ask? What should you wear? Will they care that you have never held a professional role outdoors before? The good news is that employers in landscaping and horticulture are not looking for a polished corporate candidate. They want someone who is genuinely keen, physically up for the work, and willing to learn. That gives you a real opportunity to stand out just by being prepared and honest. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you walk through that door. Interview tips for your first landscaping or horticulture job What Landscaping Employers Are Actually Looking For Before we get into the questions themselves, it helps to understand what sits behind them. Landscaping and horticulture businesses are practical, hands-on environments. Employers want to know three things above all else: can you do the physical work, will you show up reliably, and are you genuinely interested in this field rather than just looking for any job that gets you outdoors? You do not need a long list of qualifications at this stage. Enthusiasm, a willingness to graft, and basic common sense go a long way. Many people who go on to build brilliant careers in horticulture started with very little formal experience. What to Wear to a Landscaping Interview This is a question that catches a lot of first-timers off guard. You do not need to arrive in a suit, but you should not turn up in muddy trainers either. Smart casual is the right call. Think clean jeans or chinos, a tidy shirt or polo, and sensible footwear. You want to look like someone who takes the opportunity seriously without appearing like you have never been near a garden in your life. If the role involves a practical element or a site visit as part of the interview, the employer will let you know in advance. In that case, clean and practical workwear is completely appropriate. The overall message your appearance should send is: I am prepared, I am professional, and I respect your time. Common Questions You Should Prepare For “Why do you want to work outdoors?” This sounds simple but it is easy to give a vague answer. Saying “I just like being outside” will not set you apart. Employers want to hear something more considered. Think about what genuinely draws you to this kind of work. Is it the physical nature of the job? The satisfaction of seeing a finished project? An interest in plants, design, or environmental work? The more specific your answer, the more credible you come across. “Do you have a full UK driving licence?” Many landscaping roles require you to travel between sites, operate vehicles, or tow trailers. Not every entry-level position demands a licence, but having one is a real advantage. If you do not have one yet, be honest about it and mention that you are working towards it if that is the case. “Are you comfortable with early starts?” The landscaping industry tends to start early, particularly in warmer months when teams want to make the most of daylight. Some roles begin at 7am or earlier. Employers ask this because unreliable timekeeping is one of the most common issues they face with new starters. If early starts suit you, say so clearly. If you have any genuine concerns, it is better to raise them now than to struggle silently in your first week. “Are you physically fit and comfortable with manual work?” Landscaping is genuinely demanding. You will be lifting, digging, carrying, and working in all weathers. Employers are not expecting you to be an athlete, but they do need to know you understand what the job involves and that you are physically capable of doing it. Be straightforward here. If you have any physical limitations, it is worth discussing them at this stage. “Do you have any experience with tools or machinery?” For a first role, employers know the answer is often limited or none at all. What they are really listening for is attitude. Do you seem curious and willing to learn? Have you done any DIY, garden maintenance, or voluntary outdoor work? Even mowing a neighbour’s lawn counts as practical experience worth mentioning. “Where do you see yourself in a few years?” This question is about commitment and ambition. The industry has a real skills shortage, and employers want people who will grow with them rather than leave after a season. If you are interested in progressing into design, management, or a specialist area like arboriculture or horticulture, say so. It shows you have thought about your future in the sector. A Practical Checklist: Before You Walk In Use this before your interview to make sure you are fully prepared. Preparation Know the name of the business and what they specialise in (residential gardens, commercial grounds, parks maintenance, etc.) Look at their website or social media so you can reference their work Know your own CV and be ready to talk through your experience or interests Practical Logistics Confirm the interview time, location, and the name of the person you are meeting Plan your route so you arrive five to ten minutes early Have a contact number saved in case of delays What to Bring Any relevant certificates or qualifications, even from school (RHS, Duke of Edinburgh, first aid) A notepad and pen if you want to take notes A list of two or three questions to ask at the end Questions to Ask the Employer What does a typical first week look like? What training or development opportunities are available? Is there potential to progress into more specialist areas? Asking questions at the end of an interview shows genuine interest. It also helps you decide whether the role is right for you. What to Expect From an Apprenticeship Interview If you are going for a landscaping apprenticeship, the interview process may feel slightly different. You might be meeting with both the employer and a training provider, and there may be additional questions about your learning goals and commitment to completing the qualification alongside the practical work. Apprenticeship interviewers often want to know why you chose this route over going to college full time. A confident, honest answer about wanting to earn while you learn and develop practical skills from day one will land well. The Chartered Institute of Horticulture is a useful resource if you want to brush up on the wider industry before your interview and show that you have done your research. How to Talk About Your Interest in Horticulture (Even Without Experience) One of the most common worries first-time applicants have is that they do not know enough about the industry. You do not need to be an expert. What you do need is genuine curiosity and a willingness to grow into the role. If you have any relevant interests, now is the time to mention them. Gardening at home, time spent volunteering outdoors, an interest in plants or ecology, or even a favourite green space that inspires you are all worth bringing up. These small details make you a more memorable candidate. Horticulture is a broad field with room for all kinds of people, and employers in this industry know that passion often matters more than prior knowledge at entry level. After the Interview Send a short, polite follow-up message thanking the interviewer for their time. It is a small gesture that many candidates skip, and it leaves a good impression. If you are unsuccessful, do not be discouraged. Ask for feedback where you can, use it to sharpen your preparation, and keep applying. The industry needs people right now, and the right role for you is out there. Ready to Take the Next Step? If you are still figuring out which direction in landscaping or horticulture suits you best, the GoLandscape Career Quiz is a great place to start. It takes just a few minutes and helps you identify which of the many roles available might be the right fit for your skills and interests. You can also read real success stories from people who started exactly where you are now and went on to build rewarding careers outdoors. If you are making a career change rather than entering work for the first time, there is dedicated guidance in the career changer section too. Your first interview is just the beginning. ------------------------------------------------------------ # A Day in the Life of a Landscape Apprentice Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/careers-advisor-guide-landscaping/ Published: 2026-07-13 breakdown of what to expect. The Social Side: Working as Part of a Team Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough in the career guides: the team culture in landscaping is genuinely good. You spend a lot of time with the same small group of people. You travel together, work together, eat lunch together (usually on a tailgate or a wall somewhere). There's a lot of banter, a lot of problem-solving, and a real sense of pride when a job comes together well. For people coming straight from school, it can feel surprisingly different from the classroom. You're treated as a colleague, not a student. You're expected to pull your weight, but you're also supported properly. For career changers moving from desk-based jobs, the camaraderie is often one of the things they mention most. If you're considering making the switch, have a look at the career changer section on GoLandscape to see how others have made the move. A day in the life of a landscape apprentice What You're Actually Learning in the First Few Months The early stage of a landscaping apprenticeship is about building a foundation. Here's a realistic picture of what that looks like across the first three to six months: MonthWhat You're Focusing On1 to 2Tool safety, manual handling, basic plant knowledge, site etiquette3 to 4Hard landscaping basics, planting techniques, reading plans5 to 6Taking on more responsibility on site, college assessments, portfolio work Progress varies person to person, and different employers move at different paces. But most apprentices feel noticeably more confident by the time they reach the six-month mark. You stop feeling like a newcomer and start feeling like part of the crew. The Horticulture Side: More Than Just Mowing One thing that surprises a lot of new apprentices is how much horticulture knowledge comes into play, even on straightforward commercial jobs. Understanding plant behaviour, seasonal cycles, soil health, and which species work in which conditions isn't just interesting. It's practical knowledge that makes you better at your job and more valuable to your employer. The horticulture element of the training gives you a genuine understanding of the living systems you're working with, not just the mechanics of maintaining them. Explore more about the full range of roles that blend landscaping and horticulture on the GoLandscape job roles page. The Royal Horticultural Society is also a brilliant resource for deepening your plant knowledge as you progress, with qualifications and guidance that complement apprenticeship training well. End of Day: What You Go Home With By late afternoon, around 4pm to 5pm, the tools are cleaned, the van is packed, and the day is done. You'll be tired in a physical way that's different from sitting at a desk all day. Most people find it satisfying rather than draining. There's something grounding about finishing a day's work and being able to look at something tangible. A garden that's been transformed. A border that's been properly planted up. A pathway that wasn't there this morning. That visibility of your own progress is something a lot of apprentices talk about when you ask them what they enjoy most. Is a Landscaping Apprenticeship Right for You? A landscaping apprentice day isn't glamorous every single day. You'll work in cold weather, deal with physically demanding tasks, and have to stay sharp both on site and in the classroom. But it gives you a real skill set, a proper qualification, an income from day one, and a career that takes you in more directions than most people realise. If you're not sure which direction in landscaping suits you, the GoLandscape career quiz is a good place to start. It matches your interests and strengths to specific roles in the industry, and takes about five minutes. You can also read first-hand accounts from people who've built careers in the sector on the success stories page, which covers a wide range of roles and routes in. If the early starts, outdoor work, and hands-on learning sound like your kind of thing, the next step is simple. Find out more about how to get started with an apprenticeship and take it from there. GoLandscape is run by BALI, the British Association of Landscape Industries, the UK's largest trade association for professional landscapers and designers. ------------------------------------------------------------ # How Landscaping Apprenticeships Work: A Guide for Parents Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-apprenticeship-parents-guide/ Published: 2026-07-06 For someone who knows they wYour teenager has announced they want to work outdoors. They are not interested in A levels or a universityant to work in landscaping, horticulture, grounds management, or a related outdoor profession, an apprenticeship is not a lesser option. In many cases it is a better one. Your child graduates with a qualification, real experience, and often a job offer, rather than a course certificate and two years of student debt. College courses in horticulture are excellent, and they suit people who want more time to explore the subject before committing to a specific employer or role. Some young people prefer the structure of full-time education. Others thrive when they are earning, doing, and learning at the same time. Neither path closes the other off. Apprentices can go on to higher education. College leavers can do apprenticeships. What matters most is which environment your child is likely to do their best work in. How landscaping apprenticeships work a guide for parents What Happens at the End of the Apprenticeship? Most apprentices are offered a permanent position by the employer they trained with. Employers invest significantly in apprentices and the majority want to keep hold of them once they qualify. If a permanent role is not available, or your child wants to explore different opportunities, they will leave with a strong CV, a portfolio of work, references from a real employer, and a formal qualification. That is a very solid foundation for finding work elsewhere in the sector. Some apprentices use their Level 3 qualification as a stepping stone into a Higher National Certificate, foundation degree, or full degree in horticulture or landscape management. Others move into supervisory roles, start their own businesses, or progress into specialist areas such as arboriculture or ecological landscaping. The landscaping and horticulture industry has genuine skills shortages at every level, which means qualified people tend to find good opportunities. Your child would be entering a sector that actively needs them. What Should You Look For in an Employer? Not all apprenticeships are equal. The quality of the experience depends heavily on the employer. When your child is exploring options, here are the things worth checking: Is the employer a member of a professional trade body? BALI members, for example, are assessed against professional standards and are committed to quality workmanship. You can check the BALI member directory to verify membership. What does the apprentice actually do day to day? A good employer will give your child varied, meaningful work rather than keeping them on the most repetitive tasks. Who will be mentoring them on site? Knowing there is an experienced professional responsible for your child's development matters. What is the training provider's track record? Ask about completion rates and whether previous apprentices went on to full employment. How Do You Actually Get Started? If your child is interested in exploring this properly, the best starting point is to understand which roles within landscaping and horticulture appeal to them most. The industry is much broader than most people realise. From landscape design and hard landscaping to ecological surveying, grounds maintenance, and arboriculture, there are routes to suit very different personalities and interests. GoLandscape has an interactive career quiz that helps young people identify which roles might suit them, which is a useful thing to try before committing to a direction. You can also explore the full apprenticeships section on GoLandscape for detailed information on the different routes available and how to find an employer and training provider. If it helps to see where an apprenticeship can lead, take a look at the success stories from people already working in the industry. They come from all kinds of backgrounds and followed very different routes to get where they are today. The Short Version A landscaping apprenticeship is a funded, paid, qualification-bearing route into a sector with strong employment prospects. Your child learns on the job, earns a wage from day one, and leaves with a credential that is recognised across the industry. It is not the right fit for everyone. But for a young person who is motivated by outdoor work, practical problem solving, and the idea of building a career with their hands and their knowledge together, it is a genuinely strong option. If you still have questions after reading this, explore the apprenticeship pages on GoLandscape or encourage your child to try the career quiz to get a clearer sense of where their interests could take them.degree, and a landscaping apprenticeship has come up in conversation. Now you are the one doing the research at 11pm, wondering whether this is a sensible path or a missed opportunity. You are not alone. Thousands of parents every year find themselves in exactly the same position, trying to work out what an apprenticeship actually involves, how it compares to staying in full-time education, and whether their child will come out of it with something that opens doors. This guide is written for you. It covers everything from how the funding works to what your child will be doing on a typical Tuesday, what they get paid, and what kind of future the qualification leads to. First, What Exactly Is an Apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a paid job that includes structured training and leads to a nationally recognised qualification. Your child works for a real employer, earns a real wage, and studies towards a formal qualification at the same time. In landscaping and horticulture, apprenticeships are available at different levels. The most common starting point for school leavers is a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship, which is roughly equivalent to GCSEs and A levels respectively in terms of how they sit within the qualifications framework. The training happens in two places: on the job with the employer, and off the job with a training provider, usually a college or a specialist horticulture training centre. By law, at least 20 per cent of working hours must be dedicated to off-the-job learning. How the Funding Works This is one of the questions parents ask most often, and the answer is reassuring. The cost of training an apprentice is almost entirely covered by government funding. You and your child do not pay for the qualification itself. The government funds apprenticeships through what is called the apprenticeship levy. Large employers contribute to this fund, and the money is used to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment. For smaller employers who are not levy payers, the government covers 95 per cent of training costs directly, with the employer covering the remaining 5 per cent. What this means in practice is that your child gets a professional qualification paid for, while also earning money. There are no tuition fees and no student loans. What Does a Typical Week Look Like? This varies depending on the employer and the training provider, but a typical week might look something like this: Monday to Thursday: Working on site with the employer. This could involve planting, design work, hard landscaping such as laying patios or paths, lawn maintenance, tree work, or grounds management, depending on the type of company your child works for. Friday: Off-the-job learning, either attending college, completing online coursework, or working through written assessments set by the training provider. Some apprentices block their college time into full weeks rather than one day per week. The balance between site work and study shifts as the apprenticeship progresses. In the early months there tends to be more focus on building practical skills. As your child approaches the end point assessment, more time goes into consolidating their knowledge and preparing their portfolio of evidence. Landscaping and horticulture apprenticeships cover a genuinely broad range of skills. Your child might be learning to use professional machinery one week and studying plant science or understanding the principles of sustainable garden design the next. What Will They Get Paid? Apprentices are employees and are entitled to be paid. The national minimum wage for apprentices applies to those aged 16 to 18, and to those aged 19 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. After that, the standard minimum wage for their age group applies. In practice, many landscaping employers pay above the minimum, particularly once an apprentice has demonstrated their value on site. Here is a general guide to what you might expect: StageMinimum Pay (2025)Typical RangeAged 16 to 18 (all years)£7.55 per hour£7.55 to £10.00 per hourAged 19 or over (year 1)£7.55 per hour£8.00 to £11.00 per hourAged 19 or over (year 2 onward)£12.21 per hour£12.21 to £14.00 per hour Worth noting: your child will also be building up workplace experience, a professional network, and a portfolio of real work during this time. That is not something a classroom can replicate. What Qualification Do They End Up With? Landscaping and horticulture apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications. The two most common routes are: Level 2 Horticulture or Landscaping Operative: A good starting point for those new to the industry. This is roughly equivalent to a GCSE pass and provides a solid foundation of practical and theoretical knowledge. Level 3 Horticulture or Landscaping Supervisor: A more advanced qualification, broadly comparable to A level standard. This opens the door to supervisory and team leader roles, and is a common route into further study or higher apprenticeships. All apprenticeships end with an independent end point assessment, carried out by an organisation approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. This is not a pass or fail based on coursework alone. The assessment looks at what your child can actually do, and how well they can apply their knowledge in real situations. The qualification is recognised across the industry and by employers throughout the UK. For parents who worry that an apprenticeship is somehow less credible than a college or university route, it is worth knowing that the horticulture sector has been using apprenticeships as a serious professional pathway for a very long time. You can read more about the industry framework on the  You can learn more about the qualifications structure from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, which oversees standards for all apprenticeships in England. Is an Apprenticeship as Good as College? This is the question most parents are really asking, even if they phrase it differently. The honest answer is that it depends on what your child wants to do. ------------------------------------------------------------ # The Fastest Routes Into Landscaping If You Are Changing Careers Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/fastest-routes-into-landscaping/ Published: 2026-06-22 You have probably spent years doing something that no longer feels right. Maybe it is the commute, the screen time, the feeling that your work does not leave anything behind. Whatever brought you here, the fact that you are researching a career change into landscaping suggests something important: you want work that feels real. The good news is that landscaping and horticulture are industries actively looking for people like you. There is a genuine skills shortage, which means employers are not just tolerating career changers — they are welcoming them. But you are also not 18 with a few years to figure things out. You want to move at a pace that makes sense. So here is a straightforward look at the three main routes in, how long each one realistically takes, and which might suit your situation best. The fastest routes into landscaping if you're changing careers Why Career Changers Do Well in Landscaping Before we get into the routes, it is worth knowing that your existing experience is not a liability. People who come from construction, project management, agriculture, design, or even desk-based roles often bring transferable skills that fresh school leavers simply do not have. Client communication, time management, problem solving, physical endurance — these things matter in landscaping. You are not starting from zero. You are redirecting. The industry covers a wide range of roles too. From domestic garden design and installation to commercial grounds maintenance, arboriculture, sports turf, and ecological restoration. Horticulture sits at the heart of much of this work, and the more you understand plants, soils, and growing conditions, the more valuable you become. Not sure which direction suits you? The GoLandscape career quiz is a good place to start working that out. Route One: Direct Employment — The Fastest Way In Realistic timeframe: Days to a few weeks If speed is your priority, going straight into employment is the fastest route by some distance. Many landscaping employers — particularly those doing maintenance, grounds care, or general landscaping work — are willing to take on people with no formal qualifications, provided you show up, work hard, and are willing to learn. This route works particularly well if you already have some practical background. Experience with tools, physical outdoor work, or even a keen interest in gardening can be enough to get a foot in the door at entry level. What to expect You will likely start in a labourer or grounds maintenance operative role. The pay at this level typically starts around £21,000 to £24,000 per year, varying by region and employer. It is not the highest starting point, but you are earning while you learn, and progression can be quick for people who demonstrate ability. The honest trade-off You will be learning on the job, which is valuable, but you may find your progression slows unless you pair this experience with some formal training down the line. Employers respect credentials, and without them, certain roles — particularly in design, supervision, or specialist areas — can be harder to access. The career changer section on GoLandscape has useful guidance if you are at this stage of thinking. Route Two: An Apprenticeship — Structured and Funded Realistic timeframe: 12 to 24 months, depending on the standard An apprenticeship is not just for school leavers. In the UK, there is no upper age limit on starting an apprenticeship, and a growing number of career changers are using them as a structured way into new industries — including landscaping and horticulture. The big advantage here is that you are employed from day one. You earn a wage, you work in a real team, and you study alongside that, usually one day a week or in block release at a training provider. The training costs are covered by the employer and the government, so you are not paying out of pocket to retrain. Current apprenticeship standards relevant to landscaping Level 2 Horticulture or Landscaping Operative — typically around 12 months Level 3 Landscape or Horticulture Supervisor — typically 18 to 24 months You can explore available options and find providers through the GoLandscape apprenticeships page. What to expect Wages during an apprenticeship vary by employer and your age. The national apprenticeship minimum wage applies, but many employers pay more. Expect somewhere between £18,000 and £25,000 depending on the company and location. The honest trade-off An apprenticeship takes longer than walking straight into employment. You will need to find an employer who is willing to take you on as an apprentice, which requires some groundwork. But the combination of structured learning and real workplace experience tends to produce well-rounded practitioners, and many complete their apprenticeship and step into more senior roles fairly quickly. The Royal Horticultural Society provides useful information on career pathways in horticulture that is worth reading alongside your research. Route Three: A College Course — The Most Thorough Foundation Realistic timeframe: 1 to 2 years before employment If you want a thorough grounding before entering the workforce, a college course in horticulture or landscaping gives you exactly that. This route is slower to employment, but for career changers who want confidence and credibility before approaching employers, it can be the right call. Courses range from Level 1 introductions right through to Level 3 diplomas, and some colleges now offer T Levels with built-in industry placements. Part-time options exist at many providers, which can suit people who are still working in their current role while they plan their move. What to expect A full-time Level 2 or Level 3 diploma typically takes one to two years. You will study plant science, practical horticulture, landscape construction principles, and more, depending on your course. You may also get workplace placement experience built in. On completion, you enter the job market with a recognised qualification, which opens more doors from the start. Entry-level salaries are similar to the direct employment route, but you are likely to progress to more skilled or supervisory roles sooner. You can browse job roles in landscaping and horticulture on GoLandscape to get a clearer sense of where a qualification might take you. The honest trade-off This is the slowest route if employment is your immediate goal. You are also likely studying rather than earning during this period, though some funding and bursaries may be available depending on your circumstances. If time is tight, this route requires careful financial planning. Side by Side: A Quick Comparison RouteTime to EmploymentEarning While TrainingQualificationBest ForDirect employmentDays to weeksYesNo formal qualification initiallyThose who need income quicklyApprenticeship12 to 24 monthsYesLevel 2 or Level 3Those who want structure and credentialsCollege course1 to 2 yearsNo (unless part time)Level 2 or Level 3 diplomaThose who want a thorough grounding first What Most Career Changers Actually Do In practice, many career changers combine approaches. They might take a general landscaping job to get started, then move into an apprenticeship or short specialist course once they have a better sense of which area of the industry interests them most. Others spend a few months doing weekend or evening courses in horticulture while still in their current job, building knowledge and confidence before making a full switch. There is no single right answer. What matters is that you pick a route that matches your financial situation, your timeline, and your longer-term goals in the industry. Reading success stories from people who have already made the switch is genuinely useful here. Seeing how others navigated the change can help you figure out which path feels most realistic for you. Your Next StepIf you are serious about a career change into landscaping, the best thing you can do right now is get specific. What kind of work appeals to you? Do you want to be on the tools, managing projects, designing spaces, or working with plants and growing? The answer to that shapes which route makes most sense.The GoLandscape career quiz takes a few minutes and gives you a tailored steer based on your interests and situation. From there, you can explore roles, find training options, and start making a plan that actually fits your life.The industry needs people. You could be one of them sooner than you think. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscape Architect Salary UK: What to Expect at Every Career Level Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscape-architect-salary-uk/ Published: 2026-05-25 You have spent three or four years earning your degree, maybe a masters on top of that, and now you want to know whether a career in landscape architecture will actually pay off. That is a completely fair question to ask, and the honest answer is that it very much can. But the salary journey looks different depending on where you are in your career, who you work for, and whether you have taken the step of becoming chartered. This post breaks down what you can realistically expect to earn at each stage, from your first graduate role through to senior practice level. We have also included a section on how public sector and private practice salaries compare, because the difference matters more than most people expect. Landscape architect salary UK what to expect at each career level What Does a Landscape Architect Actually Do? Before we get into the numbers, it is worth a quick recap. Landscape architects design, plan and manage outdoor spaces, from urban parks and housing developments to green infrastructure and natural landscapes. The role sits at the intersection of design, ecology, planning and environmental science, which is part of what makes it so varied. If you want a fuller picture of the role, take a look at the landscape architect job role page on GoLandscape. It is also worth noting that landscape architecture is closely linked to horticulture. Many landscape architects develop a deep knowledge of plants, soils and growing conditions as part of their work, particularly when designing planting schemes or ecological restoration projects. That overlap with horticulture is one of the things that makes the profession so rich. Landscape Architect Salary UK: The Full Picture at a Glance Here is a summary of typical salary ranges across the career ladder. These figures are based on current UK market data and are intended as a guide. Individual salaries will vary depending on location, employer, sector and specialism. Career LevelTypical Salary Range (UK)London PremiumGraduate / Junior£24,000 to £30,000£26,000 to £32,000Mid-level (working towards CMLI)£30,000 to £36,000£34,000 to £40,000Chartered (CMLI)£33,000 to £45,000£38,000 to £47,000Senior Landscape Architect£44,500 to £57,500£47,000 to £60,000+Associate£52,000 to £63,500£58,000 to £70,000+Director / Practice Principal£58,000 to £82,000+£70,000 to £90,000+ All figures above are approximate and based on current UK market data. London salaries tend to attract a premium of around 10 to 20 per cent compared with the national average, reflecting the higher cost of living and the concentration of major projects in the capital. Graduate Landscape Architect Salary Your first role after university is likely to carry the title of Graduate Landscape Architect or Junior Landscape Architect. The two terms are often used interchangeably, though some larger practices may have a structured graduate scheme with a slightly different pay framework. Outside of London, you can typically expect to start on between £24,000 and £30,000. In London, starting salaries generally sit between £26,000 and £32,000. These figures reflect the post-university baseline, before you have begun working towards your chartership. It is not just about the headline figure at this stage. Look for employers who actively support your progression towards chartered status, offer structured mentoring, and give you exposure to a variety of project types. A practice that invests in your development is worth more than one offering a slightly higher starting salary with no clear pathway forward. Strong software skills can give your starting salary a nudge upward. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp or BIM tools like Revit tends to be valued, so if you have these in your portfolio, make sure you highlight them. Mid-Career Salary: Working Towards Your CMLI After a few years of experience, you will typically move into a mid-level role as you work towards Chartered Membership of the Landscape Institute, known as CMLI. This is the defining professional qualification in the field, and it has a real impact on what you can earn. At this stage, before you have achieved chartership, salaries broadly range from around £30,000 to £36,000. Your responsibilities will have grown considerably by this point. You will likely be managing elements of projects independently, contributing to client relationships, and taking on more complex design work. The chartership process itself requires you to demonstrate competence across a range of areas and to complete a professional practice assessment. It takes time and commitment, but the financial reward for achieving it is significant. Chartered Landscape Architect (CMLI) Salary Achieving your CMLI is the single most important milestone for salary progression in this profession. Once you become a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute, your earning potential steps up meaningfully. Chartered landscape architects in the UK typically earn between £33,000 and £45,000, with many mid-career chartered professionals sitting around £37,000 to £39,000. In London, the range tends to shift upward to around £38,000 to £47,000. Making the step from a non-chartered to a chartered role can result in a salary increase of £5,000 to £10,000 or more. Many employers have explicit salary bands that differentiate between the two, and chartership is often a prerequisite for accessing more senior roles. The CMLI also requires you to carry out a minimum of 25 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year. Details of CPD opportunities are available through the Landscape Institute, which is the professional body governing landscape architecture in the UK. Senior Landscape Architect Salary Senior landscape architects take on greater project responsibility, often leading complex schemes, managing junior colleagues and playing a key role in client relationships. The salary range at this level reflects that step change. Nationally, senior landscape architects can expect to earn between £44,500 and £57,500. In London, this range typically extends to £47,000 to £60,000 and above. Specialists working in areas such as master planning, public realm or sustainable landscape design often command the higher end of these figures. Associate and Director Level Beyond senior level, landscape architects can progress to Associate or Director roles within a practice. Associates typically earn between £52,000 and £63,500 and take on responsibilities including business development, team leadership and cross-sector project delivery. Directors of landscape architecture can earn from £58,000 to over £82,000, depending on the size and reputation of the practice, their client portfolio, and the commercial responsibilities they hold. For those who become partners or set up their own consultancy, earnings can extend well beyond this. Public Sector vs Private Practice: What You Need to Know Where you work has as big an impact on your salary as what level you are at. The landscape architecture profession is split broadly between private practice (consultancies and design firms) and the public sector (local authorities, government agencies and environmental bodies). Each route has its own pay culture and benefits. Local Authority and Public Sector Salaries Public sector roles, particularly within local authorities, tend to follow graded pay structures. Salaries are generally a little lower than in private practice, particularly at senior levels, but the overall package is often broader. You are likely to benefit from: A defined salary progression structure with clear bands A pension scheme that is typically more generous than private sector equivalents More predictable working hours with less pressure around business development Stable, long-term employment with good holiday entitlement For landscape architects working in local government, the day to day work often involves planning consultations, green infrastructure strategy, management of public parks and open spaces, and liaison with developers. It is work that has a direct and visible impact on communities. Graduate entry to local authority roles tends to sit in a similar range to private practice, but the ceiling at senior level is often lower unless you move into a management or policy-focused leadership position. Private Practice Salaries Private practice tends to offer higher salaries, particularly once you are chartered and beyond. The trade-off is that the work can be more commercially pressured, with tighter deadlines, billable hours targets and an expectation to contribute to winning new work as you become more senior. Large multidisciplinary consultancies working on major infrastructure, regeneration and housing projects often offer the highest salaries in the sector. Smaller, design-led studios may offer slightly less in pure salary terms but can provide exceptional portfolio development, creative freedom and a strong culture. If you eventually make partner or set up your own practice, private sector earnings can grow significantly beyond the salary ranges listed above. That said, it takes time, commercial acumen and a solid client network to reach that point. What Else Affects Your Salary as a Landscape Architect? Beyond experience, chartership and sector, a few other factors can shift your earnings: Location: London and the South East attract the highest salaries, but the cost of living is also considerably higher. Regional cities such as Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Leeds offer strong opportunities with a better balance. Specialism: Experience in areas such as ecological consultancy, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA), BIM, or planning and public inquiry work can increase your market value. Software skills: Proficiency in Revit, GIS, high-end visualisation tools or parametric design software can give you an edge at negotiation. Practice size: Larger national or international firms often pay more and offer structured progression, while smaller boutique practices may offer other benefits that matter to you. Is Landscape Architecture a Good Career Financially? Taken as a whole, landscape architecture offers a solid professional career with real earning potential, particularly once you are chartered and have built your experience. It is not the highest-paying profession in the built environment sector, but it is a meaningful and well-regarded one, with salaries that reward expertise and progression fairly. It is also a profession that is growing in relevance. With net zero commitments, biodiversity net gain requirements and the growing focus on climate adaptation and green infrastructure, landscape architects are increasingly central to major planning and development decisions. That demand is likely to support continued salary growth across the profession. If you are at the start of your journey and weighing up whether landscape architecture is right for you, it helps to look at the full picture: the day to day variety, the blend of design and environmental knowledge, the connection to horticulture and ecology, and the long-term trajectory of the profession. The financial reward is there, especially once you are chartered. Thinking About a Career in Landscape Architecture? If you are still exploring your options, the GoLandscape career quiz is a good place to start. It helps you identify the roles in the sector that best match your interests and strengths. You can also browse success stories from landscape professionals who have built careers across different parts of the industry, from local authority roles to private practice and beyond. If you are already in another career and considering a move, the career changer section on GoLandscape has guidance tailored to your situation, including how to access postgraduate conversion routes into landscape architecture. To explore the qualifications and training routes that lead into the profession, visit the apprenticeships and education section on GoLandscape. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Grounds Maintenance Salary Guide: From Operative to Manager Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/grounds-maintenance-salary-uk/ Published: 2026-05-18 If you have been looking into grounds maintenance as a career and wondering whether the pay actually stacks up, you are in the right place. It is one of the most common questions people ask before making a move into this industry, and it is a fair one. The good news is that grounds maintenance offers a genuine career ladder. You can start as an operative with no formal qualifications and work your way up to a management role with a solid salary, a company vehicle and responsibility for a team. What you earn depends on your experience, the sector you work in and where you are in the country, but the picture is a lot more positive than many people expect. This guide walks you through the full salary ladder in grounds maintenance, from your first day on the tools through to a senior management position, including the key differences between local authority and private sector pay. Grounds maintenance salary guide from operative to manager What Does a Grounds Maintenance Worker Actually Do? Grounds maintenance covers the upkeep of outdoor spaces, from parks, school playing fields and housing estates through to sports pitches, corporate campuses and golf courses. Day to day, you could be mowing lawns, maintaining hedges, planting seasonal displays, treating surfaces or operating specialist equipment. At more senior levels, the role shifts towards planning, contract management, supervising teams and maintaining quality standards across multiple sites. It sits squarely within the broader world of horticulture, and many experienced professionals hold qualifications in that field alongside their practical expertise. You can find out more about the full range of grounds maintenance roles on the GoLandscape jobs page. Grounds Maintenance Salary UK: The Full Ladder Here is a clear breakdown of what you can expect to earn at each stage of your career in grounds maintenance. These figures are based on current UK job market data and reflect typical full time annual salaries. RoleTypical Salary RangeSector NotesGrounds Maintenance Operative (Entry)£21,000 to £24,000Both sectors; some start near minimum wageExperienced Operative£24,000 to £27,000Private sector often pays slightly higherGroundsperson (Sports / Specialist)£25,000 to £30,000Sports clubs, schools, golf coursesTeam Leader£27,000 to £33,000Often includes a company vehicleSupervisor£30,000 to £37,000Local authority structured grades vs privateGrounds Maintenance Manager£35,000 to £50,000+Senior private sector roles can exceed this These ranges are a guide. Your actual salary will be shaped by your employer, location, qualifications and the specific demands of your role. Starting Out: What Can You Earn as a Grounds Maintenance Operative? Entry level grounds maintenance operatives in the UK typically earn in the region of £21,000 to £24,000 per year. Some roles start close to the National Living Wage, particularly seasonal or temporary positions, while permanent full time roles with established employers tend to offer more from the start. A full UK driving licence makes a significant difference here. Most employers require you to drive a van or tow a trailer, and holding that licence from day one puts you ahead of other applicants and often earns you a higher starting rate. Experience builds quickly in this work. Spend a year or two getting confident with a range of machinery, commercial mowing equipment and basic plant knowledge, and you become noticeably more valuable to an employer. Specialist Groundsperson Roles If you move into a specialist groundsperson position, such as maintaining sports pitches, football club facilities or golf courses, your salary can rise to between £25,000 and £30,000. These roles call for more specific knowledge around drainage, turf health and seasonal preparation, and they are often highly sought after. The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is the professional body for this area of work, and they offer qualifications and resources that can help you develop in a specialist direction. Moving Up: Team Leader and Supervisor Salaries Once you have a few years of experience under your belt and start taking on responsibility for others, your earnings reflect that. A grounds maintenance team leader typically earns between £27,000 and £33,000, while a supervisor role can push that closer to £37,000. At this level, you are not just doing the practical work. You are organising schedules, making sure safety standards are met, briefing your team and being the point of contact for clients or site managers. It is a meaningful step up, and one that many people find genuinely satisfying. A company vehicle often comes with team leader and supervisor roles, which adds real value to your overall package beyond the headline salary figure. Grounds Maintenance Manager Salary: What to Expect at the Top A grounds maintenance manager in the UK typically earns between £35,000 and £50,000. Senior positions at established private contractors, particularly those managing large portfolios or multiple contracts, can exceed that, with some contract manager roles advertised above £50,000 plus benefits such as a company car, bonus scheme and private healthcare. At this level, you are running operations. That means managing budgets, overseeing contract delivery, recruiting and developing your team, and maintaining client relationships. It is a proper management career, not just a hands on outdoor job, and the salary reflects that. Local Authority vs Private Sector: How Does Pay Compare? This is one of the most common questions for anyone considering a career in grounds maintenance, and the honest answer is that both sectors have their advantages. Local Authority Council and local authority grounds maintenance roles tend to sit within a structured pay grading system. This can feel slower to progress through, but it comes with other benefits: more predictable working hours, stronger pension contributions, more annual leave and greater job security. Starting salaries in the public sector can be slightly lower for operative roles, though the overall package is often very competitive. Private Sector Private grounds maintenance companies, particularly the larger national contractors, often offer higher basic salaries at operative and supervisory level. There is also more scope for rapid progression if you perform well. The trade off can be longer hours during busy seasons and less job security, though this varies enormously between employers. A number of professionals spend the early part of their career in one sector before moving to the other, building up experience and qualifications along the way. Neither path is better outright. It depends on what matters most to you. What Affects Your Grounds Maintenance Salary? Beyond your job title, several factors shape what you actually earn: Location: Salaries in London and the South East are generally higher, reflecting the cost of living. A supervisor role in Greater London might pay £5,000 to £8,000 more than the same position in parts of the North or Midlands. Qualifications: Holding relevant qualifications in horticulture or grounds management, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Horticulture or a PA1/PA6 pesticide application licence, signals to employers that you are serious and skilled. That tends to be reflected in pay. Machinery competence: Confidence with a wide range of commercial equipment, from ride on mowers to compact tractors, makes you more versatile and valuable. Specialist skills: Chainsaw licences, irrigation management or sports turf expertise can all add to your earning potential. Employer size: Larger national contractors often pay more consistently, while smaller regional firms may offer flexibility or quicker progression to offset a slightly lower headline salary. How to Increase Your Earning Potential in Grounds Maintenance The most effective way to earn more in this industry is to build both your practical skills and your qualifications in parallel. Here is what makes the biggest difference: Get qualified: A Level 2 or Level 3 diploma in horticulture or amenity horticulture gives you a recognised qualification that opens doors. Many people complete these through an apprenticeship, which means you earn while you learn. Add specialist licences: Pesticide application, chainsaw use or irrigation qualifications are in demand and often attract a pay premium. Seek supervisory experience early: Volunteer to lead small jobs, support a team leader or take on extra responsibility. Building that evidence makes you ready when a promotion opportunity comes. Consider an apprenticeship: Even if you are already working in the industry, a higher level apprenticeship can be a structured route to a supervisory or management role with recognised qualifications at the end. Find out more about landscape apprenticeships on the GoLandscape apprenticeships page: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscape-apprenticeship/ Is Grounds Maintenance a Good Career for Someone Changing Direction? Absolutely. Grounds maintenance is one of the more accessible entry points into the land based industries precisely because employers often value attitude and physical capability as much as formal qualifications to begin with. If you are used to working outdoors, operating machinery, managing time or leading people, those skills transfer directly. The pay at entry level is honest rather than spectacular, but the progression is real and relatively fast for those who put the effort in. Many grounds maintenance managers started with no background in the industry at all. The work itself also brings something that a lot of career changers are specifically looking for: variety, physical activity, genuine results you can see at the end of the day, and the satisfaction of maintaining spaces that communities actually use and value. If you are considering a move from a different industry, the GoLandscape career changer section is a helpful starting point: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscaping-career-stages/career-changer/ Not Sure Where You Fit in the Industry? Grounds maintenance sits within the wider world of horticulture, and there are dozens of related roles that might suit you depending on your interests and strengths. Some people discover they want to move into landscape design, arboriculture or parks management once they get started. Others find that grounds maintenance is exactly where they want to build a long term career. If you are still weighing up your options, the GoLandscape career quiz is a quick and useful way to explore which roles in the industry suit your skills and interests best. Take the career quiz here: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-career/landscape-career-quiz/ Ready to Explore Further? Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your next step, GoLandscape has the information you need to move forward with confidence. Browse the full range of grounds maintenance and horticulture job roles, read success stories from people who have already made the move, or take the career quiz to see where your strengths could take you. Explore grounds maintenance job roles on GoLandscape: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-jobs/ Read success stories from people working across the industry: golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-success-stories/ ------------------------------------------------------------ # What Do Landscaping Employers Actually Look For in a Candidate? Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/what-landscaping-employers-look-for/ Published: 2026-05-11 If you've been putting off applying for a landscaping job because you think you need a long list of qualifications first, this post is for you. The truth is, most employers in the landscaping and horticulture industry are not sitting there with a checklist of certificates. They're looking for something far more straightforward: someone who shows up, works hard, and genuinely wants to be there. And that's something no qualification can teach. So let's look at what employers in the sector actually say they want, and clear up a few assumptions that might be holding you back. What do landscaping employers actually look for in a candidate What Candidates Assume vs What Employers Actually Say There's a gap between what people think employers want and what they actually look for, especially at entry level. What candidates often assumeWhat employers tend to sayYou need a relevant qualification before applyingAttitude and work ethic come first, every timeExperience is essential from day oneWillingness to learn is more valuable than existing knowledgeWithout a full CV, you won't get a look inThe right person can be trained. The wrong attitude cannot. This matters because it means the door is far more open than you might think. Whether you're leaving school, considering a career change, or just exploring your options, understanding what employers genuinely value gives you a real advantage. Attitude and Work Ethic Come First Ask almost any landscaping employer what they prioritise in a new hire, and the answer is consistent: they want someone with the right attitude. That means turning up on time, taking direction well, putting in a full day's effort, and being reliable week after week. It sounds simple, but it's exactly what separates candidates who get hired and go on to build strong careers from those who don't. Landscaping is a physical, hands-on profession. Teams often work in close quarters, on tight schedules, and in conditions that aren't always comfortable. Employers need people they can count on. If you demonstrate that you're dependable and keen to learn, you'll stand out regardless of your background. This is particularly good news if you're applying for your first role or making a career change. You don't need years of experience to show that you're reliable, enthusiastic, and ready to graft. Do You Actually Need Qualifications to Get a Landscaping Job? The short answer is no, not at entry level. Formal qualifications such as an RHS certificate, a Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture, or a City and Guilds qualification can certainly help, and they become increasingly valuable as you progress in your career. But they are rarely a requirement to get your foot in the door. Many people working in landscaping today started with no formal training at all. They got their first job based on enthusiasm and a willingness to work, and then built their knowledge and credentials from there, often through an apprenticeship that paid them to learn on the job. Find out more about landscaping apprenticeships and how they work. If you do have qualifications, great: mention them. But if you don't, don't let that stop you from applying. Focus instead on what you can demonstrate: your attitude, your reliability, and your genuine interest in working outdoors. Practical Things That Can Give You an Edge While qualifications aren't essential at entry level, there are some practical factors that genuinely do make a difference to employers. These are worth knowing about before you apply. A Full UK Driving Licence This one comes up again and again. Many landscaping roles require travel between sites, and companies often need team members who can drive a van or tow a trailer. If you already hold a full UK driving licence, make sure it's front and centre on your CV. If you don't have one yet and you're serious about a career in landscaping, getting your licence should be near the top of your to-do list. It significantly increases the number of roles available to you. Physical Fitness Landscaping is active work. You'll be digging, lifting, planting, mowing, cutting, and being on your feet for long stretches of the day. Employers aren't expecting you to be an athlete, but they do need to know you're physically capable of doing the job safely. If you're reasonably active and comfortable with manual work, that's all that's needed. Be honest in interviews about your fitness level, and bear in mind that most people find the role gets easier as they build strength and stamina over the first few weeks. Reliability This comes up so often it deserves its own mention. Employers talk about reliability constantly. They need people who arrive when they say they will, complete the work they've been given, and communicate if something isn't right. In a sector where teams are often small and schedules are tight, one unreliable person has a knock-on effect on the whole job. Demonstrating that you're trustworthy and consistent can matter far more than any certificate. Willingness to Work Outdoors in All Weathers This might sound obvious, but it's worth being honest with yourself before applying. Landscaping jobs in the UK mean working outside year-round, and that includes cold mornings, wet afternoons, and occasional days that are genuinely unpleasant. Employers aren't looking for someone who only wants to work in sunshine. They want someone who understands what the job involves and is genuinely okay with it. If that's you, say so clearly. It reassures employers that you won't disappear after the first rainy week. What About Experience? Experience helps, but it's less important than you might think, again especially at entry level. What employers often care about more is what kind of person you are and how you'll fit into the team. If you've done any relevant work, even informally, do mention it. Helping out in a garden, volunteering with a parks team, completing a work placement, or spending time on a family smallholding all count. The horticulture industry is one where practical exposure of any kind is valued, even if it wasn't a paid role. If you have no experience at all, focus on transferable qualities. Physical work in any sector, roles requiring reliability and teamwork, or any background in outdoor or environmental activities can all be relevant. The key is to make the connection clearly and show how it applies. You can explore the full range of job roles in landscaping to get a clearer sense of where your existing background might be a good fit. A Quick Summary: What Employers Look For To pull it all together, here's a straightforward view of what tends to matter most when employers are hiring for landscaping roles in the UK: What matters mostWhy it countsAttitude and work ethicTeams are small and the work is demanding. Character matters.ReliabilitySchedules depend on every member of the team showing up.Driving licenceOpens up far more roles and locations.Physical capabilityThe work is active and outdoors. You need to be up for it.Willingness to work outsideYear-round outdoor work is the reality of the job.Enthusiasm to learnEmployers can teach skills. They can't teach motivation.Relevant experience (helpful, not essential)Any hands-on or outdoor background is a bonus.Qualifications (useful, not essential at entry level)Helpful for progression, rarely required on day one. Why GoLandscape Is Uniquely Placed to Tell You This GoLandscape is run by BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries), the UK's largest trade association for professional landscape contractors and designers. That means we work directly with the employers you'd be applying to. When we say that attitude matters more than qualifications at entry level, it's because that's what we hear from employers across the industry, consistently. This isn't a theory. It's what the people doing the hiring actually tell us. That connection to the sector also means the guidance, job listings, and success stories on GoLandscape reflect what's genuinely happening in the industry, not just what looks good on a careers page. What to Do Next If you're ready to take the next step, here are a few practical places to start: Not sure which role suits you? Take the landscaping career quiz to find out where your interests and strengths could take you. Interested in getting paid while you train? Find out more about landscaping apprenticeships and how they work. Want to see how others got started? Read real success stories from people who've built careers in landscaping and horticulture. Making a career change? There's a dedicated section for you at GoLandscape for career changers. The landscaping and horticulture industries are actively looking for people to join them. You might be closer to ready than you think. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Is Landscaping a Good Career? What Parents Want to Know Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/is-landscaping-a-good-career-for-my-child/ Published: 2026-05-04 Your teenager has mentioned they want to work outdoors. Maybe they love being outside, enjoy physical work, or have a passion for plants and gardens. And now you are quietly Googling: is landscaping a good career, really? It is a fair question. You want your child to have a stable, rewarding future, and you want honest information, not a sales pitch. So here it is, straight. What landscaping actually involves Landscaping is a broad industry. It covers everything from designing and building gardens to maintaining parks, sports grounds, and public green spaces. It includes horticulture — the cultivation of plants, trees, and shrubs — as well as construction, irrigation, tree surgery, and ecological work. The people who work in it are not just gardeners. They are designers, project managers, arborists, ecologists, groundskeepers, and business owners. The industry employs hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, and it spans domestic, commercial, and public sector work. That breadth matters, because it means your child is not choosing a narrow job. They are entering a wide sector with many different directions to take. The concerns parents usually have Is there real job security? Yes, and increasingly so. The UK landscaping and horticulture industry has faced a significant skills shortage for years. There are more jobs than there are qualified people to fill them. That is not spin — it is the reality that industry body BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) and training providers have been working to address for over a decade. Green spaces, gardens, and outdoor environments need constant maintenance and development. That work does not disappear when the economy dips. Local authorities, housing developers, schools, hospitals, sports clubs, and private homeowners all need landscaping professionals. Demand is consistent, and in many areas, employers are actively struggling to recruit. For a school leaver entering the industry now, that is a strong position to be in. What about the earnings — is the starting salary worth it? This is where it is worth being honest. Starting salaries in landscaping are modest. A school leaver going into an apprenticeship or entry level role can expect to earn somewhere in the region of £18,000 to £22,000 in the early years, depending on the employer, region, and role. That is not exceptional compared to some graduate starting salaries, and it is worth acknowledging that. But the trajectory matters. An experienced landscaper or horticulture specialist with several years behind them can earn £28,000 to £38,000. Move into supervisory or project management roles and that rises further. Many people who start as labourers or apprentices become team leaders, then contracts managers, then directors of their own businesses. Self employment is also a well worn path in this industry. Landscaping has relatively low startup costs compared to many trades, and demand for skilled, reliable professionals is high. A self employed landscaper with a good reputation and a solid client base can earn considerably more than an employed counterpart. Some landscape business owners are turning over six figures within a decade of starting out. Is landscaping a good career financially? Over the long term, the answer is yes, if your child is willing to develop their skills and take on responsibility. How physically demanding is it, and is that sustainable long term? Physical work is part of the job, particularly in the early years. Lifting, digging, planting, and being on your feet all day are realities. That said, the industry is not all heavy labour. Roles in design, management, consultancy, and education involve far less physical work. As people progress in their careers, many naturally move into positions that draw on their knowledge and experience rather than their physical stamina. It is also worth noting that working outdoors in a physically active role has genuine wellbeing benefits. Many people in the industry cite this as one of the things they value most. What about the weather? Yes, your child will work outdoors in all conditions, including cold, wet British winters. This is genuinely part of the job in grounds maintenance and construction roles. Some people love it. Some find it hard. It is worth having an honest conversation with your teenager about whether that appeals to them, rather than finding out in January on a windswept site. However, it is worth knowing that many roles involve significant indoor work too. Glasshouse horticulture, nursery work, design, planning, and management are all areas where the weather is a much smaller factor. Is there a ceiling? This is one of the most common concerns parents raise, and it is also the one the industry most clearly disproves. There is no ceiling in landscaping, provided someone is willing to progress. Career paths lead from operative to supervisor, from supervisor to manager, from manager to director. Some of the most senior figures at major landscaping companies started as apprentices or school leavers. Others have gone on to run award winning businesses, consult on major public projects, or lecture at horticultural colleges. The ceiling, if there is one, is largely self imposed. The industry rewards ambition, skill, and reliability. What qualifications and training look like One of the things that reassures many parents is that there are clear, structured routes into the industry. Your child does not have to figure it out alone. Apprenticeships are one of the most popular entry points. These allow your child to earn while they learn, gaining nationally recognised qualifications while working with an employer. Landscaping apprenticeships are available at Levels 2 and 3, and cover everything from horticulture and arboriculture to landscape construction. You can find out more at the GoLandscape apprenticeships page. College courses offer an alternative route, with Level 1 to Level 3 diplomas and T Levels in horticulture and land based studies available across the UK. These provide a strong foundation before entering employment. From there, further qualifications, specialist training, and industry accreditations allow continuous development throughout a career. What the people who work in it say It can help to hear from people already in the industry rather than just read statistics. GoLandscape has a library of success stories from people across all kinds of landscaping and horticulture careers. These are real people with real career histories, many of whom came from backgrounds with no connection to the industry. Reading a few of those is often more useful than any salary guide, because you get a sense of what the day to day reality looks like, and where it can take someone over ten or twenty years. The wider picture: why the industry is growing There are broader trends working in landscaping's favour. The UK government has made significant commitments around green infrastructure, biodiversity net gain, and urban greening. Housebuilders are increasingly required to incorporate green spaces into developments. Local authorities are investing in parks and public realm improvements. Climate adaptation is driving demand for specialist skills in sustainable planting, drainage, and habitat creation. These are not short term trends. They represent a structural shift in how the built environment is being designed and maintained, and landscaping professionals are at the centre of it. For a young person starting their career now, the industry they will be working in at 35 or 40 will likely have even more opportunity than it does today. A quick summary: what to weigh up Here is an honest at a glance comparison to help you think it through: What's positiveWhat to considerHigh demand, genuine skills shortageStarting salaries are modestStrong progression to management and self employmentPhysical work is part of early career rolesVariety of roles across design, horticulture, and constructionOutdoor work in all weather for site based rolesStructured training including apprenticeshipsProgression requires commitment to ongoing learningGrowing industry with long term demandCareer paths require initiative to develop So, is landscaping a good career for your teenager? If they enjoy being outdoors, working with their hands, taking pride in visible results, and the idea of building real skills in a growing industry, then yes. Landscaping can be an excellent career. It is not the right fit for everyone. But for the right person, it offers something many office based careers cannot: variety, physical satisfaction, genuine progression, and the real possibility of building something of their own. The key question is whether your child's instincts are pointing them in the right direction. And the best way to find that out is to explore it properly. Where to go next If you want to help your teenager figure out whether landscaping or horticulture is a good fit, a good starting point is the GoLandscape career quiz. It takes a few minutes and helps identify which kinds of roles might suit their interests and strengths. You can also browse the full range of job roles in the industry to get a clearer sense of the variety available, and visit the success stories section to read about real careers from people who started exactly where your teenager is now. GoLandscape also has a dedicated section for parents, designed to answer the questions you are likely to have. There is no pressure to make a decision today. But if landscaping is on your radar, it is worth exploring properly. GoLandscape is run by BALI, the British Association of Landscape Industries, and is the UK's leading resource for careers in landscaping and horticulture. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Can You Start a Career in Horticulture With No Experience? Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/horticulture-career-no-experience/ Published: 2026-04-27 If you have been searching for a career that gets you outside, keeps you active, and actually feels meaningful, there is a good chance horticulture has crossed your mind. But then comes the question that stops a lot of people in their tracks: what if you have never done anything like this before? The honest answer is that it does not matter as much as you think. The landscaping and horticulture industry in the UK has a real skills shortage, and employers are actively looking for people who want to learn. You do not need a CV full of relevant experience to walk through the door. Here is a straightforward guide to getting started, whatever your background. What Do Employers Actually Look For at Entry Level? This is where most people are pleasantly surprised. When it comes to entry level roles in landscaping and horticulture, attitude consistently matters more than a long list of qualifications. Employers across the sector regularly report that the qualities they prioritise in new recruits include: A willingness to learn and take direction Reliability and good timekeeping A genuine interest in the outdoors and working with plants Physical fitness and a practical, hands on approach Good communication and the ability to work as part of a team The Chartered Institute of Horticulture, one of the UK's leading professional bodies for the sector, has consistently highlighted that the biggest barrier to employment in horticulture is not a lack of qualifications but a lack of people coming forward. The demand is there. What employers need is you. The Routes In: How to Start With No Experience There is no single path into a horticulture career, which is actually good news. Whether you are 17 and just finishing school, or 40 and looking for a complete change, there is a route that works for where you are right now. Apprenticeships: Learn While You Earn If you want to build proper skills and get paid at the same time, an apprenticeship is one of the best decisions you can make. Horticulture apprenticeships in the UK cover everything from landscape construction and grounds maintenance to arboriculture and garden design. You work with an employer from day one, earning a real wage while you study towards a nationally recognised qualification. No previous experience is required to apply as long as you meet the basic entry requirements, which are usually just GCSEs in English and maths. You can find out more about landscaping apprenticeships and how to apply through the apprenticeships section on GoLandscape. Work Placements and Work Experience If you are still at school or college, a work placement is often the most straightforward way to test whether this is the right direction for you. Many landscaping and horticulture businesses across the UK regularly take on students for short placements, and the experience you gain gives you something real to talk about when you apply for jobs or apprenticeships later. For career changers, a short work placement can also be invaluable. It costs you very little and quickly tells you whether the day to day reality matches what you had in mind. Volunteering to Build Your Skills Volunteering is an underrated route in. Community gardens, parks, National Trust properties, and local wildlife trusts all regularly recruit volunteers, and many of them will actively help you develop practical horticulture skills alongside experienced professionals. Volunteering gives you real hands on experience, something to put on your CV, and a network of people who can point you towards paid roles when they come up. It is particularly useful if you are a career changer who cannot afford to take time out of work to study. Entry Level Roles: Just Apply Many employers advertise entry level positions in landscaping and grounds maintenance that explicitly require no previous experience. These roles exist because companies know that training someone from scratch is often easier than retraining someone with ingrained bad habits. If you are ready to start applying, you can browse landscaping job roles on GoLandscape to get a sense of what is out there and what employers are currently looking for. Do You Need a Qualification to Get Started? Not necessarily, though having one certainly helps in the long run. For entry level positions and apprenticeships, you generally do not need any prior horticulture qualifications. GCSEs in English and maths are often the only formal requirement. If you want to study before entering the workforce, there are some straightforward options available: Level 1 and Level 2 diplomas in horticulture or land based studies, available at many further education colleges across the UK T Levels in agriculture, land management and production, a relatively new qualification that combines classroom learning with substantial industry placements Short courses in specific skills such as pesticide application, chainsaw operation, or plant identification, which are useful even at the early stages of a career The important thing to remember is that qualifications in this industry can always be gained after you start working. Many professionals build their credentials gradually while employed, through part time study or employer supported training. A Step by Step Plan for Getting Started Whether you are a school leaver or a career changer, here is a practical plan you can follow right now. Work out which area of horticulture interests you most. There is a wide range of roles from landscape gardening and grounds maintenance to tree surgery, ecology, and garden design. If you are not sure yet, that is fine. Take the career quiz on GoLandscape to narrow things down based on your interests and strengths. Get some hands on exposure. Volunteer, sign up for a work placement, or simply spend time in your own garden or a community project. It does not need to be formal to count. Research apprenticeship opportunities in your area. The government apprenticeship finder is a good starting point, and the GoLandscape site lists options specific to the landscaping sector. Update your CV to focus on transferable skills. Even if your background is completely unrelated, things like time management, physical stamina, working outdoors, customer service, and working in a team are all relevant. Apply. Do not wait until you feel ready. The best way to learn is on the job, and employers in this industry know that. What About Career Changers Specifically? If you are coming from an office job, retail, construction, or any other sector entirely, you might feel like an outsider looking in. You are not. The horticulture industry genuinely welcomes career changers, and many of the UK's most respected professionals in the field came to it later in life. The skills you have already built in other areas are more useful than you realise. Project management, customer relationships, budgeting, problem solving, and physical work experience all translate well into landscaping and grounds maintenance roles. There is a dedicated section on GoLandscape for career changers moving into landscaping, with advice tailored to your stage of life and the practical realities of switching industries. What Can You Earn in an Entry Level Horticulture Role? Pay varies depending on the role, employer, and region, but here is a general guide to what you can expect when starting out in the UK. Horticulture apprentice: National Living Wage up to around £20,000 depending on employer and level Grounds maintenance operative (entry level): £22,000 to £26,000 Landscape labourer or trainee landscaper: £22,000 to £27,000 Junior nursery assistant or plant grower: £21,000 to £24,000 As you gain experience and qualifications, salaries increase significantly. Senior landscapers, arborists, and garden designers with several years behind them can earn considerably more, and many go on to run their own businesses. Real People Who Started From Scratch It is one thing to hear that you can start a horticulture career with no experience. It is another to see it working in practice. The GoLandscape success stories showcase real professionals who came to the industry from all sorts of backgrounds, including people who started with absolutely no relevant experience and built rewarding, well paid careers. Reading a few of these stories is one of the most useful things you can do if you are sitting on the fence. The Industry Needs You More Than You Realise The UK landscaping and horticulture sector employs hundreds of thousands of people and contributes billions to the economy each year. But it has a well documented skills shortage, with more vacancies than there are qualified people to fill them. BALI, the British Association of Landscape Industries, has made closing this skills gap one of its central priorities. GoLandscape itself was created specifically to help more people discover that a horticulture career is an option, regardless of background. You can find out more about BALI's work and the wider industry at bali.org.uk. That matters for you because it means employers are genuinely motivated to take people on and invest in their development. When a sector is short of talent, the people who put their hands up and say they are interested tend to get opportunities quickly. Where to Find Out More The Chartered Institute of Horticulture is the UK's leading professional body for the sector and a good resource if you want to understand the full range of career pathways available in horticulture. Their site covers everything from professional membership to training and development opportunities as you progress. Ready to Take the First Step? You do not need a perfectly crafted plan before you start. You just need to take the first step. If you are not sure which direction in horticulture or landscaping suits you best, the best place to begin is with a quick career quiz. It takes just a few minutes and gives you a personalised steer based on what you enjoy and how you work. Take the GoLandscape career quiz and find out which role suits you and start exploring what a horticulture career with no experience looks like for you. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Bankside Open Spaces Trust is partnering with the Cloud Gardener to raise £10,000 for their Future Gardeners Programme through Earth Raise Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/bankside-open-spaces-trust-is-partnering-with-the-cloud-gardener-to-raise-10000-for-their-future-gardeners-programme-through-earth-raise/ Published: 2026-04-22 Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) has launched a £10,000 fundraising campaign to fund its award-winning Future Gardeners programme, as part of the national Earth Raise match-funding initiative delivered by Big Give. Running from 22–29 April, the campaign will see all public donations doubled for one week only, offering supporters the chance to make twice the impact in tackling the UK’s horticultural skills shortage while transforming lives through green careers. Future Gardeners provides free, accredited horticultural training, mentoring and work experience to people facing barriers to employment. Since launching in 2016, the programme has helped participants gain practical skills and confidence, with around 76% of graduates progressing into jobs in the industry. The initiative responds to a growing national challenge: a critical shortage of skilled horticultural workers alongside limited access to green career pathways, particularly for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Through Earth Raise, BOST aims to raise £10,000 to support more people into training, helping them access meaningful employment while contributing to greener, healthier urban communities. Louisa Mansfield, Future Gardeners Programme Manager, Bankside Open Spaces Trust said:“Future Gardeners is about more than learning horticulture – it’s about opening doors. We support people to build confidence, gain qualifications and take their first steps into a rewarding green career. With the support of Earth Raise, every donation will go twice as far in helping us reach more people who need this opportunity most.” BOST is partnering with Jason Williams AKA the Cloud Gardener to help amplify the campaign and kicked off the campaign with a workshop for past students at Bankside Open Spaces Trust last week.  The event featured a talk, questions and answers session, basic growing and creating a cut-flower bed to be used by upcoming Future Gardeners students!    Please check out @bostse1 and @cloudgardeneruk for ongoing updates on the campaign. Please click here to donate now - https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000BMqBJYA1 Shereen Chung Blake, Future Gardeners Programme Coordinator and Jason, The Cloud Gardener with Future Gardener students outside Bankside Open Spaces Trust’s (BOST) Eco house  learning centre. ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to Become a Garden Designer in the UK Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/how-to-become-a-garden-designer/ Published: 2026-04-20 You love spending time in gardens. You find yourself sketching planting ideas on the back of envelopes, watching makeover programmes with a critical eye, or mentally redesigning every outdoor space you visit. Sound familiar? If you have been wondering whether garden design could be a real career rather than just a passion, you are in good company. It is one of the most searched routes into the green industry, and for good reason. Garden design sits at the crossroads of creativity, horticulture, and problem solving. You get to work with clients, spend time outdoors, and leave a lasting mark on the places people love most. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to become a garden designer in the UK, from qualifications and courses to building your first portfolio and landing those early clients. Garden Designer or Landscape Architect: What Is the Difference? Before you start researching courses, it helps to understand where garden design sits within the wider industry, because the terms are often used interchangeably but they are not quite the same thing. A garden designer typically works on private residential gardens. That might mean a complete redesign of a back garden, a planting scheme for a courtyard, or a full outdoor transformation for a new build property. The focus tends to be on aesthetics, planting knowledge, and creating something that works for the people who use it. A landscape architect, on the other hand, tends to work at a larger scale. Think public parks, urban regeneration projects, housing developments, and commercial spaces. The role involves more technical drawing, planning regulations, and working alongside architects and engineers. Landscape architects are usually degree educated and often work towards chartered status through the Landscape Institute. If your interest is in private gardens and creative design, garden designer is likely the direction you are heading. If you are drawn to larger scale projects and the built environment, landscape architecture might be worth exploring further. Do You Need Formal Qualifications to Become a Garden Designer? This is the question most career changers ask first, and the honest answer is: not necessarily, but they help. Garden design is not a regulated profession in the way that, say, medicine or architecture is. There is no single licence you must hold before you can call yourself a garden designer or take on clients. Many successful designers are self taught or have come from completely unrelated backgrounds. That said, formal training gives you a significant advantage, especially when you are starting out. It builds your plant knowledge, teaches you how to draw and present designs professionally, and gives you the vocabulary to talk confidently with clients and contractors. It also gives you a network of tutors, fellow students, and industry contacts that can be hard to replicate on your own. So the real question is not whether you need qualifications, but whether training will help you get where you want to go faster and with more confidence. For most people making a career change, it does. The Main Routes Into Garden Design RHS Qualifications The Royal Horticultural Society offers some of the most widely recognised qualifications in horticulture and garden design in the UK. If you are new to the field, the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture is a solid starting point. It covers plant knowledge, growing, and garden maintenance, which forms the foundation of good design. From there, the RHS Level 3 Diploma in Garden Design takes things further, covering design principles, client briefs, site analysis, and presentation skills. It is available through a range of approved centres across the UK, many of which offer flexible study options including part time and online learning. You can explore approved providers on the RHS website. College Diplomas Many further education colleges offer specialist diplomas in garden design and horticulture. These are typically Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications and can be studied full time or part time depending on your circumstances. These courses are particularly popular with career changers because they are practically focused. You will spend time in college gardens, work on real design briefs, and develop skills in AutoCAD or hand drawing alongside plant knowledge. It is worth searching for colleges in your area that offer horticulture or garden design courses, as provision varies regionally. Degree Programmes If you want to go deeper into the subject and potentially open doors into landscape architecture or academia further down the line, a degree in garden design or horticulture is worth considering. Universities including the University of Sheffield, Writtle University College, and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in areas related to garden and landscape design. Some degrees are specifically focused on garden design, while others combine design with horticulture, ecology, or the built environment. A degree takes a bigger commitment in time and cost, but it can also open doors to larger commercial projects and give you a deeper technical grounding. Short Courses If you are not ready to commit to a full diploma or degree, short courses are a great way to test the water. Many design schools, garden colleges, and online platforms offer short courses covering the basics of garden design, planting schemes, or AutoCAD for garden designers. These will not replace a full qualification, but they can help you decide whether this is the right path before you invest more time and money. Building Your Portfolio: Where Most People Get Stuck Qualifications get you through the door, but your portfolio is what wins you clients. The challenge most new garden designers face is the same one: how do you build a portfolio before you have paying clients? The answer is to start before you are ready. Here are some practical ways to build your portfolio from scratch: Redesign your own garden or a family member's.  Document the brief, your design process, and the finished result with good quality photographs. Offer a discounted project to a local charity or community group.  Many organisations are grateful for help with their outdoor spaces and will give you creative freedom. Enter design competitions.  The RHS and various garden shows run student and emerging designer competitions that give you a brief to work to and real exposure. Create speculative designs.  Pick a real outdoor space that could be improved, research the context, and produce a full design as if you had been commissioned. Include mood boards, planting plans, and a written rationale. Document your coursework.  If you are studying, treat every project as a portfolio piece from day one. Photograph hand drawings, save digital files, and write up your design thinking. Your portfolio does not need to be large. Three to five strong, well presented projects will say far more about your ability than ten rushed ones. Finding Your First Clients Getting those first paying clients is often the part people find most daunting. A few approaches that work well for new garden designers in the UK: Start with your network.  Friends, family, neighbours, and former colleagues are often your first clients. Do not be shy about letting people know you are setting up as a garden designer. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful tools in this industry. Use social media thoughtfully.  Instagram and Pinterest are highly visual platforms where garden design content performs well. Sharing your work, your process, and your plant knowledge can build an audience and attract enquiries over time. Connect with local contractors.  Landscaping and construction companies often work on projects where a client wants a garden redesigned but they do not have an in house designer. Building relationships with local landscape contractors can lead to referrals. Consider joining a professional body.  The Society of Garden Designers (SGD) is the main professional association for garden designers in the UK and offers student and associate membership grades. Being associated with a professional body adds credibility and helps clients feel confident hiring someone less established. What Does a Career in Garden Design Actually Look Like Day to Day? Garden design is rarely a nine to five in an office. Most garden designers in the UK work on a freelance or self employed basis, at least initially. Your days might include client meetings, site surveys, time at the drawing board or screen working up designs, sourcing plants and materials, liaising with contractors, and visiting sites during build. The work is seasonal in some respects, with spring and early summer being the busiest time for enquiries and installs. But design work can happen year round, and many designers use quieter winter months for CPD, planning, and marketing. Income varies considerably depending on experience, location, and how your business develops. As a guide, newly established garden designers in the UK might earn in the range of £20,000 to £30,000 in their early years, while more established designers with a strong portfolio and client base can earn £40,000 or more. Running your own practice has no ceiling, but it also carries the uncertainty that comes with self employment. Is Garden Design Part of Horticulture? Yes, and understanding that connection matters. Garden design is firmly rooted in horticulture, the science and practice of growing and caring for plants. The best garden designers are not just visual thinkers; they understand how plants grow, how they behave in different conditions, and how a planting scheme will look in five years, not just on the day it is installed. If your background is not in horticulture, building that plant knowledge is one of the most valuable investments you can make early on. Many RHS and college courses include horticulture as part of the curriculum precisely because it underpins everything else in garden design. Ready to Take the Next Step? Becoming a garden designer in the UK is absolutely achievable, whether you are 22 or 52, and whether your background is in design, biology, teaching, or something else entirely. What matters most is genuine enthusiasm for outdoor spaces, a willingness to keep learning, and the patience to build your skills and reputation over time. If you are still working out which direction is right for you, the GoLandscape career quiz is a good place to start. It helps you match your interests and strengths to roles across the industry. You can also explore the full garden designer job role profile on GoLandscape for a detailed breakdown of what the role involves, the skills employers look for, and what career progression looks like. If a career change into the green industry feels like the right move, the career changer section on GoLandscape has practical advice tailored to people making exactly that transition. And if you want to see how others have done it, the success stories on GoLandscape feature real people from a wide range of backgrounds who have built fulfilling careers in landscaping and horticulture. Their paths are varied, but the common thread is that they started somewhere and kept going. Your garden design career could start with a single step. Take it. ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to Become a Tree Surgeon in the UK Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/how-to-become-a-tree-surgeon/ Published: 2026-04-13 There is something genuinely satisfying about working with trees. You are outdoors every day, no two jobs are quite the same, and the work you do has a real, visible impact on the landscape around you. If you have been wondering how to become a tree surgeon in the UK, you are in the right place. This is a practical guide covering everything you need to know: the different routes into the profession, the qualifications that matter, how long the journey takes, and where a career in arboriculture can take you in the long run. What Does a Tree Surgeon Actually Do? Tree surgeons, more formally known as arborists, are responsible for the care, maintenance and management of trees. Day to day that can mean anything from pruning and felling to crown reduction, stump grinding, emergency storm work, and tree health assessments. It sits within the broader world of horticulture and land management, and it is one of the most technically skilled roles you can find in the green industries. You will need to be physically capable, comfortable working at height, and confident using specialist machinery including chainsaws. It is hard work, but it is also one of those careers where you can progress quickly if you are willing to put the time in. The Three Main Routes In There is no single path to becoming a qualified arborist in the UK. The route that suits you will depend on your age, your current situation, and how quickly you want to start earning. 1. An Apprenticeship For school leavers and younger career starters, an apprenticeship is often the strongest route. You earn a wage while you learn, gain hands-on experience from day one, and work towards recognised qualifications at the same time. The Level 2 Arboriculture Apprenticeship is the most common starting point. It covers the practical and theoretical foundations of tree work and typically takes around 18 months to two years to complete. You will be employed by a contractor throughout, which means you are building real industry experience alongside your training. You can explore current apprenticeship opportunities at golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-education/landscape-apprenticeship/. 2. A College Course If you are not yet in work or prefer a more structured learning environment before entering employment, a college course is a solid option. Many colleges across the UK offer Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Arboriculture or Forestry, as well as T Levels in Agriculture, Land Management and Production, which include industry placements. These courses build a strong knowledge base and often include some practical chainsaw training, though you will likely need to top up your tickets once you move into employment. 3. Working Your Way Up Some people come to tree surgery through grounds maintenance, forestry, or general landscaping work. If you are already employed in the green sector and want to move into arboriculture, speaking to your employer about funding your chainsaw qualifications is a realistic option. Career changers from entirely different industries also make this move successfully. If that is your situation, the career changer section on GoLandscape has guidance tailored to you. The Qualifications That Matter Regardless of how you get into the industry, there is a core set of certifications that every practising arborist needs. These are assessed and awarded through bodies such as NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council) and Lantra Awards, and they are widely recognised by employers across the UK. The Essential Chainsaw Certificates QualificationWhat It CoversCS30Safe use of a chainsaw, including cross-cutting and maintenanceCS31Felling and processing small treesCS32Felling and processing trees over 380mmCS38Climbing and aerial rescue using a chainsawCS39Use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness CS30 and CS31 are the minimum requirement for most entry level tree surgery roles. Many employers will fund these once you are in post, though having them already gives you an advantage when applying. Working at Height Beyond the chainsaw certs, you will need training in aerial tree work. The Lantra Awards and City and Guilds qualifications in aerial tree rigging and pruning are the most widely recognised. These are typically completed once you have some ground experience and are ready to progress into climbing work. First Aid A valid outdoor first aid certificate is considered essential in most arboriculture roles. This is worth completing early, as it is often required before you can progress to working at height. The Arboricultural Association Once you are established, membership and accreditation through the Arboricultural Association is a strong marker of professionalism. Their technician and consultancy pathways are recognised throughout the industry and are worth working towards as your career develops. How Long Does It Take? Here is a realistic timeline depending on the route you choose: Apprenticeship Route Year 1: Employed, working towards Level 2, completing CS30 and CS31 Year 2: Continuing on site, building experience, completing further chainsaw units Year 2 to 3: Progressing to climbing qualifications and potentially Level 3 College Route Year 1 to 2: Full time or part time study, gaining diplomas and foundational practical skills Year 2 onwards: Employment and on the job qualification building Career Changer Route Months 1 to 6: Gaining entry level employment or work placement Months 6 to 18: Completing chainsaw certs and building site hours Year 2 onwards: Progressing to aerial work and specialist qualifications Most people are climbing and working with a degree of independence within two to three years of starting out. That is a relatively short runway compared to many careers. What Progression Looks Like Tree surgery is not a job you are stuck in at one level. There is a clear progression route for those who want to develop, and it opens up in a few different directions. Senior Arborist or Climbing Arborist: With experience and a full ticket set, you can lead jobs and take responsibility for more complex work. Contracts Supervisor or Team Leader: Many experienced arborists move into supervisory roles, managing crews and quoting for work. Consultant Arborist: With further study, you can move into consultancy, advising on planning applications, tree surveys, and risk assessments. This pays well and is in consistent demand. Self Employment: A large proportion of the arboriculture sector is made up of sole traders and small contractors. Once you have your qualifications and experience, running your own operation is a very achievable goal. It is worth knowing that arborists with a broader background in horticulture or land management tend to be more versatile, which can open doors across the wider green industries if your interests develop over time. Is It the Right Career for You? Tree surgery suits people who are practical, physically active, and happy outdoors in all weathers. You need to be comfortable with risk management and detail oriented when it comes to safety, but you do not need any specific academic background to get started. If you are not yet certain whether arboriculture is the right fit, the GoLandscape career quiz is a good starting point. It takes a few minutes and helps match your interests and strengths to roles across the landscaping and horticulture sector. You can also browse tree surgery and arborist job roles on GoLandscape to get a feel for what employers are looking for right now, and read success stories from people already working in the industry to hear how others made the move. If you want a broader picture of what a career in arboriculture looks like beyond the practical steps, take a look at the GoLandscape guide to careers in arboriculture for more context on the sector itself. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Tree Surgeon Salary UK: How Much Can Arborists Earn? Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/tree-surgeon-salary-uk/ Published: 2026-04-06 Tree surgery pays well. That's the short answer. The longer answer covers how well, at what stage, and what you need to get there. That is what this guide is for. Whether you're seriously considering a career change or just starting to explore your options, you deserve a straight talking breakdown of what tree surgeons actually earn in the UK. Not vague ranges or optimistic outliers. Real figures across every career stage, from your first year as an apprentice to running your own arboricultural business. We've also covered the specialist qualifications that can give your earnings a meaningful boost, and what the path forward looks like at each stage. What Does a Tree Surgeon Actually Do? It's worth being clear on the role before we get into the numbers, because arboriculture is far more skilled and varied than most people realise. Tree surgeons, also known as arborists, are responsible for the health, safety, and management of trees. The work includes climbing and pruning mature trees, removing dead or dangerous limbs, felling trees safely in tight spaces, stump grinding, and advising landowners, councils, or developers on tree care and preservation. It's physically demanding, technically complex, and genuinely satisfying work. Arboriculture sits within the broader world of horticulture, the professional care and cultivation of plants and green spaces, and it carries real responsibility. Trees are living infrastructure, and the people who manage them need to know what they're doing. For those who want to progress into more senior or consultancy roles, professional membership of the Arboricultural Association, the UK's leading body for the industry, is widely regarded as a strong credential by employers and clients alike. You can explore the full job profile on the arborist job role page on GoLandscape, or take the career quiz if you're still weighing up which direction suits you best. Tree Surgeon Salary UK: The Full Picture Salary varies depending on experience, location, employer type, and the specialist qualifications you hold. Here is a practical breakdown across every career stage. Career StageTypical Annual SalaryDay Rate (Self Employed)What Makes the DifferenceApprentice (Year 1 to 2)£13,000 to £18,000N/AEmployer and regionQualified Climber (2 to 5 yrs)£24,000 to £32,000£150 to £250NPTC tickets heldSenior Arborist£32,000 to £42,000£200 to £350Specialism and experienceSelf Employed (Established)£35,000 to £65,000+£250 to £500+Client base and equipment Figures are approximate UK averages based on industry data (2024 to 2025). Salaries in London and the South East typically sit at the higher end of each range. Starting Out: Apprentice Tree Surgeon Salary An apprentice tree surgeon in the UK can expect to earn between £13,000 and £18,000 per year during their training, depending on employer and region. The Level 2 Arboriculture and Forestry apprenticeship is the main route into the industry for school leavers and career changers alike. You earn a wage while learning on the job, with the cost of your training covered by your employer through the apprenticeship levy. It typically takes around 18 months to two years to complete. Some employers pay above the apprenticeship minimum wage, particularly BALI member companies where professional standards and fair employment practices are part of the membership commitment. Everything you need to know about getting started is on the landscaping apprenticeships page. Qualified Tree Surgeon Salary (2 to 5 Years' Experience) Once you've completed your apprenticeship and gained a couple of years of practical experience, your earning potential rises quickly. A qualified climber holding the core NPTC chainsaw certificates can expect to earn between £24,000 and £32,000 per year as an employee. At this stage, your value to an employer is tied closely to the qualifications you hold. Groundworkers and those without climbing tickets will generally earn less, while those who hold both aerial and groundwork certificates are in high demand across the sector. Location matters too. Tree surgeons working in London, the South East, and major urban centres typically earn more than those in rural areas, partly because of the complexity of urban tree work and the higher cost of operating in densely populated environments. Senior Arborist Salary With five or more years of experience and a strong set of qualifications, a senior arborist can earn between £32,000 and £42,000 a year. At this level, you are likely leading jobs on site, making decisions about felling strategies, managing client relationships, and taking on supervisory responsibility. Some senior arborists move into consultancy, carrying out tree surveys, writing arboricultural impact assessments for planning applications, and advising on tree preservation orders. This route can push earnings considerably higher, particularly for those who become registered consultants with the Arboricultural Association. The Arboricultural Association is the UK's leading professional body for arboriculture, and registered membership is well regarded by both employers and clients. Self Employed Tree Surgeon Income Going self employed is where tree surgeon earnings can really open up, and for many in the industry it is the goal they are working towards from day one. An established sole trader or small business owner in arboriculture can earn anywhere from £35,000 to well over £65,000 a year, depending on their client base, the services they offer, and how efficiently they run their operation. Day rates for self employed tree surgeons typically range from £250 to £500 or more, with specialist work such as emergency callouts, large scale felling, or stump grinding often commanding a premium. The business case is strong. Skilled arborists are in short supply across the UK, which means a self employed operator with a solid reputation and the right equipment rarely struggles for work. Many tree surgeons move into self employment gradually, building up clients and kit while still employed, before making the full transition once the groundwork is in place. That's a realistic and sensible route, and one that a good number of the industry's most successful operators have taken. If you're considering a move from another career entirely, the career changer section on GoLandscape is a useful starting point for thinking through how that transition might look. How Specialist Tickets Affect Your Arborist Salary This is one of the most important things to understand about tree surgeon pay: your qualifications are essentially your pay grade. NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council) chainsaw and arboriculture certificates are the industry standard, assessed by City and Guilds through approved training providers. Each certificate you add makes you more versatile, more employable, and more valuable. The pay difference is tangible. Core NPTC Chainsaw Certificates CS30 and CS31 (Felling and Processing Trees): the essential entry level chainsaw units, required by virtually every employer CS38 (Aerial Chainsaw Work): required for climbing roles. Holding this alongside CS30 and CS31 can add £3,000 to £5,000 to your annual salary compared to groundwork only operatives CS39 (Aerial Rescue): typically required alongside CS38 for insurance and safety compliance on most commercial contracts Specialist Tickets That Boost Pay Further MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform): opens access to cherry picker work on larger commercial contracts, which typically pay a day rate premium Stump Grinding: adds a whole additional revenue line. Self employed operators with their own grinder can earn significantly more per job Wood Chipper Operation: standard on most commercial crews but worth having formally certified PA certificates (Pesticide Application): required for tree health work, an increasingly sought after specialism as disease and pest pressures on UK trees grow Each unit costs money to obtain, typically a few hundred pounds, but the return is real and relatively quick. Some employers, particularly BALI member companies invested in workforce development, will fund additional training for employees who show commitment and aptitude. Why Tree Surgery Is One of the Better Paid Outdoor Trades The financial picture is strong at every level of the career, and the ceiling, particularly for self employed operators and senior consultants, is genuinely high. But pay is only part of what makes arboriculture worth considering. Arborists consistently describe their work as varied, physically satisfying, and genuinely important. The combination of technical skill, outdoor work, and practical problem solving is one that people tend to stay with long term. Not out of inertia, but because the job is actually good. The industry also has a widely recognised skills shortage, which works in your favour. Qualified tree surgeons are in demand across the UK right now, and that demand supports both salaries and job security in a way that many industries simply cannot offer. If you want to hear from people already working in arboriculture and across the wider horticulture sector, the GoLandscape success stories are worth a read. You'll find honest accounts from people who made the move from all sorts of backgrounds. How to Get Started as a Tree Surgeon in the UK Whether you're 17 or 47, the routes into arboriculture are more accessible than most people assume. Here's a straightforward overview of the most common starting points: School leaver or college student: Look at the Level 2 Arboriculture and Forestry apprenticeship, or a Level 2 or 3 diploma in horticulture or forestry at an agricultural college Career changer: Consider a short NPTC chainsaw training course to test the water, then look at employer sponsored apprenticeships or direct employment as a groundworker while you build up your tickets Graduate: A degree in arboriculture, horticulture, or environmental science is a strong foundation for consultancy or management roles Ready to Take the Next Step? Arboriculture is one of the most financially rewarding careers in the outdoors sector, and the skills shortage means qualified people are needed right now. The pathway is clear, the qualifications are achievable, and the earning potential grows steadily the more you invest in your development. Start by taking the GoLandscape career quiz to see where your skills and interests best align, explore the apprenticeships available in the sector, or browse tree surgeon and arborist job vacancies listed on the site right now. Your next career could start sooner than you think. ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to Write a CV for a Landscaping Job (With No Experience) Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-cv-no-experience/ Published: 2026-03-30 You want to work outdoors. You like the idea of doing something physical and seeing the results of your work at the end of the day. Maybe someone suggested landscaping, or maybe you stumbled across it yourself. Either way, you're ready to go for it. There's just one thing in the way: the CV. If you've never worked in landscaping before, it can feel like you've got nothing to put down. But here's the truth: you have more to offer than you think. A good CV for a landscaping job isn't about rattling off years of professional experience. It's about showing you're reliable, willing to work hard, and genuinely interested in the industry. That's absolutely achievable, whether you're fresh out of school or switching careers from something completely different. This guide walks you through exactly what to put on your landscaping CV, how to lay it out, and what to leave off. There's a simple template at the end too, so you can get started straight away. What Employers Are Actually Looking For Before you write a single word, it helps to know what a landscaping employer actually wants to see. Most employers in this industry, from small local contractors to large grounds maintenance companies, are looking for: Someone who will show up on time and work reliably Physical fitness and a willingness to do outdoor, hands-on work in all weathers A genuine interest in plants, outdoor spaces, or the environment Basic practical skills that are relevant to the role Good communication and the ability to work as part of a team Notice that "five years of landscaping experience" is not on that list. Especially for entry-level roles and apprenticeships, employers know you're starting out. What they want to see is potential, attitude, and relevant transferable skills. If you're applying for an apprenticeship specifically, have a read of our landscaping apprenticeship guide to understand what's involved before you apply. How to Structure Your Landscaping CV Keep it clean, easy to read, and no longer than two sides of A4. Here's the order to follow: 1. Contact Details At the top of the page: your full name, phone number, email address, and your town or city (you don't need your full address). Make sure your email address looks professional. If yours is something embarrassing from school, create a new one before you apply. 2. Personal Statement This is a short paragraph of three to five sentences at the top of your CV. Think of it as your pitch. It should cover: Who you are (your background or current situation) What you're looking for (the type of role or apprenticeship) Why landscaping or horticulture interests you What you can bring to the role Example personal statement: "I'm a recent school leaver looking for an entry-level role or apprenticeship in landscaping. I'm physically fit, reliable, and genuinely interested in working outdoors. I've spent the past year volunteering at a local community garden and I'm keen to build on that in a professional setting." Not sure what area of landscaping you're drawn to? Take the GoLandscape career quiz to find out which role suits you best before you start applying. 3. Skills List six to ten relevant skills. These can absolutely be transferable ones from school, sports, hobbies, or part-time work. More on what to include in the next section. 4. Work Experience This is where people with no direct experience tend to freeze. Don't. Include any work experience you do have, paid or unpaid, and focus on what you did and what it shows about you. Even weekend jobs, school placements, helping a family member with their garden, or volunteering counts. For each entry, include the job title or role, the organisation, the dates, and two to three bullet points about what you did. 5. Education List your school, college, or any other qualifications, with dates. Include your GCSEs (especially English and Maths), any relevant subjects like science, geography, or DT, and any vocational or T Level qualifications related to horticulture or the environment. If you've completed any relevant courses, such as a First Aid certificate, a CSCS card course, or a Level 1 introduction to horticulture, include those here too. 6. Hobbies and Interests This section matters more for landscaping CVs than it does for a lot of other industries. Employers want to see that your interest in the outdoors is genuine, not just something you've put on paper to get a job. Mention anything relevant: gardening, sport, walking, wildlife, conservation volunteering, or growing your own food. What to Put When You Have No Experience Here's where we get specific. The following are all fair game for a landscaping CV, even if you've never been paid to dig a hole or plant a border in your life. Transferable Skills from School or Other Jobs Think about what skills you've used anywhere, then frame them in a way that makes sense for landscaping: Working in a team (school projects, group sports, part-time work) Time management and reliability (turning up to school or a job on time, meeting deadlines) Physical fitness and stamina (sport, active hobbies) Attention to detail (anything that required care and precision) Following instructions and working safely Customer service or communication (retail, hospitality, or any client-facing work) Volunteering and Community Work Volunteering is genuinely valued in the horticulture industry. If you've helped out at a community garden, a nature reserve, a church grounds, a school garden project, or anywhere that involved working outdoors, put it on your CV. Be specific about what you did. Garden or Outdoor Projects at Home Have you helped to maintain a family garden? Grown vegetables? Built something in the garden with a parent or family member? These are all relevant. It shows initiative and practical interest. Don't dismiss them just because they weren't a formal job. School Projects and Qualifications If you studied biology, geography, environmental science, or any subject that involved fieldwork, mention it. A school trip to a nature reserve or a project on ecosystems is still evidence of interest in the natural world. If your school offered any work experience in a relevant area, even if it was just a week, include it. Sports and Physical Activity Landscaping is a physically demanding job. If you play sport regularly, go to the gym, do a lot of walking or cycling, or do any other physical activity that shows you're fit and active, mention it. It's a genuinely relevant detail for this kind of role. What NOT to Include on Your CV Just as important as what you put in is what you leave out. Avoid the following: A photo of yourself (this is standard practice in the UK and can unintentionally introduce bias) Your date of birth (not required and not relevant) Irrelevant personal details like your nationality, religion, or relationship status A list of references. You can write "References available on request" if you like, or just leave it off entirely Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Read it back carefully, then ask someone else to read it too A generic personal statement that could apply to any job. Tailor it to landscaping specifically A Simple CV Template You Can Use Copy this structure and fill in your own details. Keep the layout clean, use a standard font like Arial or Calibri at size 11 or 12, and save it as a PDF before sending. YOUR FULL NAME Phone number | Email address | Town, County PERSONAL STATEMENT KEY SKILLS WORK EXPERIENCE Job Title or Role | Organisation | Month Year to Month Year EDUCATION School / College Name | Dates attended [GCSEs, A levels, BTECs, T Levels, or other qualifications with grades if strong] HOBBIES AND INTERESTS Tips for Career Changers If you're not a school leaver but someone looking to move into landscaping from a different career entirely, the same principles apply, but you have even more to work with. Think about what your existing work life actually involved on a practical level. Someone coming from retail or hospitality has strong customer communication skills and knows how to work as part of a fast-moving team under pressure. A tradesperson, whether that's a bricklayer, painter, or carpenter, brings a safety-conscious mindset, experience with tools, and an understanding of working on site. Someone from healthcare or care work has patience, attention to detail, and is used to physically demanding days. All of that translates. The key is to frame your existing experience in a way that speaks to what a landscaping employer needs. Don't just list your previous job titles. Write briefly about what those roles involved day-to-day, then connect the dots explicitly. Something like: "In my previous role managing a busy shop floor, I coordinated a team of six, managed timelines, and dealt directly with customers. I'm now looking to bring those same skills to an outdoor environment where I can also develop practical horticultural knowledge." Being clear about why you're making the switch also matters. Employers respond well to people who have done their research and made a considered decision, rather than someone who seems to have applied on a whim. A sentence or two in your personal statement explaining your motivation goes a long way. Take a look at the career changer section on GoLandscape for more guidance tailored specifically to people making the switch. A Few Final Checks Before You Send Before you hit send on any application, run through this quick checklist: Spell check everything, then read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing Ask someone you trust to read it and give you honest feedback Make sure your personal statement mentions landscaping or horticulture specifically, not a generic version Check the employer's name is spelled correctly if you've referenced them Save and send as a PDF so the formatting stays intact Keep it to two sides of A4 maximum Where to Find Landscaping Jobs and Apprenticeships Once your CV is ready, it's time to put it to use. Here's where to look: The GoLandscape job roles page lists vacancies across the UK in all areas of the industry The apprenticeships section covers how to find and apply for landscaping apprenticeships in England The Lantra website lists approved training providers and qualifications across the horticulture and land-based sectors Local landscaping and grounds maintenance companies often recruit directly, so it's worth reaching out speculatively with a strong CV and a brief covering note It's also worth knowing that BALI, the organisation behind GoLandscape, is the UK's leading trade body for landscaping professionals.  Many BALI member companies actively recruit entry-level candidates and apprentices. You can find out more about the industry's professional standards at bali.org.uk. You're More Ready Than You Think Getting your first landscaping job or apprenticeship is not about having the perfect CV. It's about having a CV that clearly shows who you are, what you care about, and what you can do. You have more relevant experience than you're giving yourself credit for. Take your time with it, be honest, and make it personal. A thoughtful, well-presented CV will always stand out over a generic one, regardless of how much formal experience it contains. If you want to see where a career in landscaping can really take you, read the success stories from people who started exactly where you are now. Different backgrounds, different routes in, all building careers they're proud of. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaper salary UK: what can you earn at every career stage? Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-salary-uk/ Published: 2026-03-23 A landscape project manager at a busy commercial contractor can earn £48,000 a year. A skilled tree surgeon who has gone self employed can clear £40,000 to £50,000. A director running a successful landscaping business can earn £70,000 or more. These are real numbers, from real jobs that people are doing right now across the UK. If you have been put off looking into landscaping as a career because you assumed it did not pay well, this landscaper salary guide is worth reading. Wages at the bottom of the ladder are modest, as they are in most trades. But the ceiling is higher than most people realise, and there are more routes to it than you might think. Below you will find salary figures for every major role in the landscaping and Horticulture industry, broken down by career stage, specialism, and location. Whether you are just starting out, considering a change, or planning your next move up, this is what the numbers actually look like. How much do landscapers earn? The honest answer Landscaping is not a single career, it is an umbrella covering dozens of different roles, from hands-on construction and horticulture through to design, management, ecology, and arboriculture.  Landscaper salary and landscape gardener salary figures vary considerably depending on which part of the industry you work in. Each specialism has its own pay scale and its own earning ceiling. According to BALI's Lay of the Land 2025 report, skills shortages remain one of the industry's most pressing challenges — which means qualified and experienced people are in genuine demand, and that demand tends to push landscaper salary UK rates upward over time. The key factors that affect how much you earn as a landscaper in the UK are: Your specialism and skill set How much experience you have and whether you hold relevant qualifications Whether you work in hard landscaping, soft landscaping, grounds maintenance, arboriculture, or design The size of your employer and the type of contracts they take on Your location in the UK Whether you are employed or self employed UK landscaper salary table: what every role pays RoleStarting PayExperienced PayNotesApprentice Landscaper£11,000 – £13,000N/ANMW applies; wages rise as training progressesHard Landscaper£20,000 – £25,000£27,000 – £33,000Paving, structures, drainage; specialist skills push pay higherSoft Landscaper£20,000 – £23,000£25,000 – £30,000Planting, turf, horticulture knowledge lifts pay toward top of rangeGrounds Maintenance Worker£18,000 – £22,000£24,000 – £28,000Local authority, estates, sports facilities; often good job securityGardener£20,000 – £23,000£25,000 – £32,000Head gardener roles at estates and historic gardens sit at the higher endGroundsperson / Greenkeeper£19,000 – £23,000£25,000 – £32,000Golf clubs, sports clubs, councils; head groundsperson roles pay moreTree Surgeon / Arborist£22,000 – £26,000£30,000 – £40,000Specialist qualifications (CS30/31, NPTC) required; self-employment commonGarden Designer£22,000 – £28,000£35,000 – £55,000+Often freelance; income is project-based and can vary significantlyTeam Leader / Supervisor£26,000 – £30,000£32,000 – £38,000First management step; salary reflects added responsibilityLandscape Project Manager£35,000 – £40,000£45,000 – £55,000Commercial and residential contracts; larger firms pay considerably moreLandscape Manager / Operations Manager£38,000 – £45,000£48,000 – £60,000Oversees multiple sites and teams; clear route to director levelLandscape Architect (Chartered)£28,000 – £34,000£44,000 – £57,000Requires Landscape Institute accredited degree and chartership (CMLI). Note: GoLandscape role page quotes £20k–30k for entry level — figures here are from the HAUS 2024/25 salary guideDirector / Business Owner£50,000+£70,000 – £80,000+Income depends heavily on business size and performance Sources: Checkatrade, PayScale, Glassdoor, HAUS Landscape Architecture Salary Guide (2024/25), GoLandscape role pages. Figures reflect UK averages; London and the South East typically sit at the higher end of each range. Landscape Architect figures are from the HAUS salary guide and reflect the separate Landscape Institute qualification pathway. How pay builds through each career stage Starting out: apprenticeships and entry-level work If you start through an apprenticeship, your wages will begin low. Apprentice rates typically sit between £11,000 and £13,000 per year, in line with the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. That is the honest picture. Apprentice wages do rise as you progress through your training though, and you come out the other side with a qualification and immediately marketable skills. Once qualified, junior operative roles typically pay £18,000 to £21,000. The apprenticeships section on GoLandscape covers everything you need to know about routes in and how to find a placement. Building your specialism: 2 to 5 years in This is where the pay starts to reflect what you can actually do. Specialist skills command higher rates, and the gap between a general operative and someone with sought after experience begins to open up. Hard landscapers who develop expertise in block paving, brickwork, drainage, or retaining structures can earn £22,000 to £33,000. Soft landscapers with solid horticultural knowledge typically earn £20,000 to £30,000, with the upper end going to those who understand planting design and can work from detailed specifications. Tree surgery and arboriculture is one of the better paying specialisms at this stage. Qualified arborists with their chainsaw certificates (CS30/31) and NPTC tickets can earn £22,000 to £26,000 while employed, with self employed experienced surgeons regularly earning £30,000 to £40,000 or more. Grounds maintenance workers and groundspeople in local authority, sports facility, and estate roles typically earn £18,000 to £28,000, with head groundsperson and head greenkeeper positions sitting comfortably above that. At any specialism, additional qualifications have a direct effect on landscaper salary in the UK. A pesticide certificate (PA1/PA6), chainsaw licence, irrigation qualification, or a Level 3 in horticulture can all justify a meaningful pay increase and open the door to higher-paid contracts. If you are working on commercial sites, it is also worth knowing that a LISS/CSCS SmartCard  the industry's site access card administered by BALI  is required on many larger landscape contracts and demonstrates your qualifications to employers. Moving into supervision: team leader and foreperson roles Once you are leading a crew, your pay reflects the added responsibility. Team leaders and supervisors typically earn between £26,000 and £38,000 depending on experience and employer. You are coordinating daily operations on site, managing materials, quality checking work, and liaising with clients. For many people, this is the step that makes the most difference to their weekly pay cheque in the shortest amount of time. Project management and operations: the £35,000 to £55,000 bracket Landscape project managers handle the full lifecycle of contracts: scoping, budgeting, client liaison, subcontractor management, and delivery. According to Glassdoor data for UK landscape project managers, typical salaries range from £37,000 to £65,000, with the average around £48,000. At larger contractors or on high-value commercial schemes, experienced project managers can earn more. Operations managers and landscape managers who oversee multiple contracts and teams simultaneously typically earn between £38,000 and £60,000. The top end is reserved for those managing significant contract books or leading large operational teams. Senior leadership and director level At the top of employed roles, landscape directors and senior managers at larger firms can earn £50,000 upwards. At large national contractors or design led consultancies, total packages can go considerably higher than that. If you move into landscape architecture and achieve chartered status (CMLI through the Landscape Institute), senior landscape architect salaries typically range from £44,500 to £57,500. Directors in landscape architecture practices earn £58,000 to £82,000 or more, according to the HAUS Landscape Architecture Salary Guide. It is worth noting that landscape architecture is a distinct profession requiring a degree accredited by the Landscape Institute, not simply the next rung on the landscaping ladder. Garden design: a different income model Garden design sits slightly apart from the rest of the industry because most garden designers work freelance or run their own small businesses. Employed starting salaries typically sit between £22,000 and £28,000.  But established freelance designers with a strong reputation and a good portfolio can earn considerably more £35,000 to £55,000 is realistic for those who have built a client base, and top end residential designers in London and the South East charge premium rates. The income is less predictable than an employed role, and the early years can be financially tight while you build your reputation. But for those with the drive to make it work, the earning potential is strong. How location affects landscaper salary UK Where you work makes a genuine difference to your landscape gardener salary or landscaper pay. London and the South East consistently offer the highest wages, driven by the density of high-value residential and commercial work and the higher cost of living. A mid-career landscaper in London might earn 20 to 30 percent more than someone in the same role in the Midlands. That higher figure does not always mean more money in your pocket, though. Once housing costs are factored in, many landscapers in regional cities like Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and Leeds find their actual disposable income is broadly comparable to, or better than, colleagues in the capital. The headline number is not the whole story. As a rough guide by region: London and South East: 20 to 30 percent above the national averages in the table above South West and East of England: broadly in line with national averages Midlands, Yorkshire, North West: typically 5 to 15 percent below national averages, but lower living costs often offset this Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland: variable, broadly at or slightly below UK average for most roles Rural estates, National Trust properties, and large private gardens can also pay well even in areas where headline landscaping salaries look lower. The type of employer matters as much as the geography. Beyond the base salary: what else affects your pay? Salary figures do not always tell the full story.  Several other factors make a real difference to what landscaping work actually pays: Van and fuel allowance: many employers provide a company vehicle or pay a mileage allowance, which is worth several thousand pounds a year in practical terms Overtime: landscaping is seasonal and project driven, and overtime in the spring and summer months is common at many employers Tool allowance: some employers cover the cost of hand tools or contribute to specialist equipment Bonuses and profit share: not universal, but more common at commercial contractors than people expect Pension contributions: worth comparing between employers, particularly for long term financial planning When comparing job offers, add up the full package rather than just the headline salary figure. The difference between two jobs can look very different once you factor in a van, overtime availability, and pension contributions. Self employment: the biggest lever on your earnings Going self employed is where the income picture changes most dramatically for most landscapers. Checkatrade estimates that self employed landscapers earn around £51,600 per year before tax and business costs. Running costs for a sole trader operation average around £6,500 per year, but even accounting for that, take home pay tends to exceed what an equivalent employed role would pay. The ceiling is higher still for those who build a team. A well run limited company with a small employed crew can generate revenues of £72,000 or more per year, with profit margins typically between 5 and 20 percent depending on the work mix. There are real trade-offs: you are responsible for finding your own work, managing cash flow, covering your own insurance, and handling quiet periods.  The early years of self employment can be financially unpredictable. Most successful self-employed landscapers build up a client base while still employed, then make the move when they have enough regular work to sustain the business. Specialisms that tend to attract premium rates for self employed landscapers include natural planting and ecological design, high end residential garden construction, arboriculture, and commercial maintenance contracts. Other directions in the industry: roles worth knowing about The salary table above covers the main pathways, but landscaping and horticulture as an industry is significantly broader. A few other roles worth being aware of: Ecologist: a growing area as biodiversity net gain requirements become embedded in planning law. Graduate ecologists typically earn £22,000 to £28,000; experienced consultants can earn £35,000 to £50,000 or more. Forestry worker: typically £20,000 to £30,000 for employed roles, with higher rates for those with specialist harvesting or woodland management skills. Gardener / head gardener: head gardener roles at historic estates, National Trust properties, and large private gardens often include accommodation and can pay £25,000 to £35,000 with a strong overall package. Drainage engineer: a technical specialism that overlaps with landscaping and civil engineering. Experienced drainage engineers are in strong demand and can earn £30,000 to £45,000. You can browse the full range of roles on the GoLandscape job roles page, where each role has its own profile covering responsibilities, entry routes, and what to expect from the work. Landscaper salary UK for career changers: what to expect People move into landscaping from all sorts of backgrounds: construction, the armed forces, retail management, office work, farming, teaching.  It is more common than the industry sometimes gets credit for, and employers are often actively looking for people who bring transferable skills alongside a willingness to learn the trade. If you are making the switch in your 30s or 40s, there are a few things worth knowing about the salary picture: You are unlikely to start at the salary you were on before. Entry level and junior operative roles pay what they pay regardless of your previous experience, and expecting otherwise tends to lead to disappointment. The trajectory is faster. Career changers who arrive with project management, people management, client communication, or commercial skills often move into supervisory and managerial roles more quickly than those who have come up entirely through the tools. The gap between entry level and a comfortable senior salary is shorter than in many professions. A career changer who starts as a junior operative at £20,000 and works hard can realistically be earning £35,000 to £45,000 within five to seven years. Self employment is a realistic option earlier. Career changers who arrive with business or commercial experience can sometimes move to self employment faster than those starting from scratch. The other thing worth saying is that a lot of career changers report that the drop in initial salary feels worthwhile pretty quickly. Working outdoors, building visible things, and having clear tangible results at the end of each day is a different experience from most office based roles. GoLandscape has a dedicated section for career changers moving into the industry, including practical advice on routes in, what qualifications to look at first, and what to expect in the early stages. How to increase your landscaper salary UK How much you earn as a landscaper is not fixed it is something you actively shape. Regardless of where you start, there are clear things that move the dial on any landscaper salary in the UK: Develop specialist skills: chainsaw qualifications, PA1/PA6 pesticide certificates, irrigation installation, arboricultural work, and planting design all attract higher rates Progress into supervision and management: every step up the ladder is reflected in your salary, and the jump from operative to team leader is often the most impactful Work on commercial contracts: large commercial and public sector contracts tend to pay better than domestic maintenance work Consider going self employed when you are ready: with enough experience and a client base, take home pay typically increases significantly Think about design: if you have an eye for it, developing garden design or planting design skills can open a different and often better paid direction The project manager earning £48,000, the self-employed tree surgeon clearing £50,000, the landscape director on £70,000 none of them started there.  The industry rewards people who keep developing, keep taking on responsibility, and stay in it long enough to build real expertise. Not sure which direction suits you? Take the GoLandscape career quiz to match your interests and strengths to the roles most likely to work for you, or browse the full job roles directory to explore what is out there. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Retraining as a landscaper in your 30s or 40s: a realistic guide Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/retraining-as-a-landscaper/ Published: 2026-03-12 You are standing in a meeting room, half-listening to someone presenting a slide deck you have already seen three times, and you are thinking: there has to be something else. Maybe you have been thinking about it for months. Maybe years. If a career in landscaping or horticulture has been pulling at you, you are not alone, and you are not too late. People retrain for this industry at 34, 42, or 51. They come from office jobs, retail, the armed forces, teaching, and construction. Some of them are now running their own businesses. Others are doing work they genuinely look forward to on a Monday morning. This guide is not going to tell you it is easy or that there are no trade-offs. It will give you an honest picture, including answers to the questions most career changers are actually asking. Am I too old to retrain as a landscaper? No. The landscaping and horticulture industry has a significant skills shortage and is actively recruiting people at all stages of life. Employers are not looking exclusively for 18-year-olds; they are looking for reliable, motivated people who take pride in their work. The physical demands are real, and it is worth being honest with yourself about fitness. Landscaping involves heavy lifting, working in all weather conditions, and being on your feet all day. That said, the industry is broad.  Not every role requires the same level of physical output. Garden designers spend time at drawing boards and client meetings.  Horticultural therapists work in therapeutic settings. Ground managers spend much of their time planning and coordinating. If you are concerned about the physical side, it is worth exploring the full range of job roles in the industry before assuming it is all digging and heavy lifting. How long will it take to retrain? That depends on the route you take and the role you are aiming for. Here is a realistic picture of what the first 12 to 18 months could look like for someone starting from scratch. Months 1 to 3: Research and foundations Take the GoLandscape career quiz to identify which roles match your interests and existing skills Speak to people already working in the industry, whether through local BALI members, LinkedIn, or community gardens Volunteer with a local parks team, community garden, or landscaping company at weekends to test whether the work suits you in practice, not just in theory Research Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas in horticulture or landscaping at your local college Months 4 to 9: Formal training begins Enrol in a part-time or full-time Level 2 or Level 3 diploma, or explore the landscaping apprenticeship route if you want to earn while you learn Complete a PA1 and PA6 pesticide application certificate if grounds maintenance or soft landscaping is your target area (these short courses boost employability significantly) Begin building a portfolio of practical work, photographs, and project notes Months 10 to 18: Entering the workforce Apply for junior or trainee roles, or use work placement connections made during training Consider a seasonal role to build references and practical hours while completing studies Review your CV framing and apply with confidence Will I have to take a pay cut? Probably, yes, in the short term. It is worth being honest about that. Entry-level roles in landscaping and grounds maintenance typically start between £22,000 and £26,000. However, the picture changes quickly with experience and specialism. Approximate salary ranges in UK landscaping and horticulture: Grounds maintenance operative: £22,000 to £27,000 Landscape gardener (3 to 5 years experience): £26,000 to £35,000 Landscape designer: £28,000 to £45,000 depending on sector and specialism Arborist (qualified): £28,000 to £38,000 Contracts or operations manager: £35,000 to £55,000+ Those who go self-employed often earn more, particularly in garden design and specialist landscaping. Your existing skills in project management, client communication, budgeting, or people management have real value here, even if they did not come from a landscape background. The question of funding retraining is one of the most common concerns for career changers with financial commitments.  A few things worth knowing:  Advanced Learner Loans are available from the government to cover Level 3 qualifications for anyone aged 19 or over, and you only start repaying once your earnings are above the threshold.  If you go down the apprenticeship route, you are employed from day one and paid a wage throughout your training, which removes the financial risk entirely. Many people also choose to complete part time college courses while staying in their current job, which keeps income steady during the transition. How do I explain the career change on my CV? Honestly, and with confidence. A career change at 35 or 45 is not something to apologise for. You made a considered decision to pursue work that aligns with what you actually want from your working life. Employers in landscaping are used to seeing career changers, and many of them value the maturity, work ethic, and transferable skills that people bring from other industries. On your CV, lead with a short personal statement that frames the change positively. Something like: 'Following a career in X, I have retrained in horticulture and am now seeking a role where I can combine my skills in Y with hands-on landscape work.' Then let your qualifications and any voluntary or placement experience do the talking. Do not hide your previous career. Project management, supervisory experience, customer service, IT, or financial skills are all genuinely useful to landscape businesses, especially as you progress. What retraining routes are available in the UK? You have more options than you might think. College courses: Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas in horticulture, amenity horticulture, and landscape construction are available at agricultural and horticultural colleges across the UK. Many are available part time, which means you can keep your current job while you retrain. Apprenticeships: There is no upper age limit for apprenticeships in England. If you secure a job with a landscaping or grounds maintenance employer, you may be able to undertake a landscape apprenticeship alongside your work. This is one of the best routes for career changers because you earn a wage while you train and gain recognised qualifications. Short courses: If you want to test the water before committing to a full qualification, short courses in practical skills such as chainsaw operation, soft landscaping, or garden design can help you build skills and confidence quickly. Self-employment: Some career changers build up their own client base part time while they are still in employment, then move to full time once the business is established. This route takes longer but reduces financial risk. Hear from people who have done it Reading about a career change is one thing. Hearing from people who have actually made the leap is something else entirely.  The GoLandscape success stories feature professionals who came into the industry from all sorts of backgrounds. Their accounts give a grounded, honest picture of what the transition actually involved, including the challenges, the financial reality, and what made it worth it. So is it right for you? Only you can answer that. But if you are drawn to working outdoors, creating something tangible, working with your hands, contributing to green spaces and the environment, and building skills that are genuinely in demand, then landscaping and horticulture deserves serious consideration. The career changer section on GoLandscape is built specifically for people in your position. It covers training routes, employer expectations, and practical steps to help you move forward with confidence. Ready to find out where you could fit in? Take the GoLandscape career quiz to discover which roles match your skills and interests. Or if you want to explore the earn-while-you-learn route, find out more about landscape apprenticeships. The industry needs people like you. The question is just whether you are ready to make the move. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Cultivating New Voices: Introducing Dandelion Magazine Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/cultivating-new-voices-introducing-dandelion-magazine/ Published: 2026-01-19 Dandelion is an independent magazine and creative platform dedicated to amplifying the ideas, experiences, and artistic work of young people and those at the beginning of their careers in horticulture, gardening, and land-based practice. Positioned at the meeting point of making, thinking, and creativity, the publication creates space for voices that are often underrepresented within the sector. Although horticulture and landscape work are rich in tradition and expertise, opportunities for students, apprentices, and early-career practitioners to share their perspectives in meaningful ways can be limited. Dandelion seeks to address this by offering a platform where emerging contributors can reflect on their experiences, experiment creatively, and contribute to wider conversations about land, ecology, and working landscapes. The magazine takes an expansive approach to expression, welcoming writing, photography, visual art, and interdisciplinary work. Its aim is not only to document contemporary horticulture and land-based practice, but also to explore the emotional, cultural, and environmental dimensions that shape how people relate to the land. This is not an exclusive space; however, certain voices will be prioritised. As a guide, Dandelion particularly welcomes contributions from young people under 35 years old and from those in the first five years of their careers or land-based learning journeys. You do not need to be part of a professional industry to take part—anyone actively engaged in horticulture and land work is encouraged to get involved, from volunteers and hobbyists to students and those seeking to build livelihoods through nature. Submissions are now open for the first themed issue, Humus. Drawing on both the literal and symbolic meanings of the word, the theme invites responses to soil, decay, regeneration, memory, connection, and the physical and cultural foundations on which landscapes are formed. Contributions are encouraged from across the sector, particularly from students, trainees, and early-career practitioners with fresh perspectives to share. More information about the magazine and submission guidelines can be found at:www.the-dandelion-mag.com By amplifying new voices and creative approaches, Dandelion aims to help cultivate a more inclusive, reflective, and imaginative future for horticulture and land-based practice—one grounded in the realities of working with the land and inspired by those who will shape it next. ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to Start a Career as a Landscape Operative in the UK Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/start-career-landscape-operative-uk/ Published: 2025-10-21 If you enjoy working outdoors, using your hands, and seeing the results of your effort come to life, a career as a landscape labourer could be an ideal fit. It’s a hands-on role that offers variety, outdoor working, and real opportunities to progress within the landscaping and horticulture industries. 1. What does a landscape operative do? Landscape operatives help to create, build, and maintain outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, sports grounds, and commercial sites. Typical duties include: Preparing soil and planting trees, shrubs, and turf Laying paving, fencing, and decking Operating and maintaining powered equipment such as mowers, strimmers, and compactors Supporting irrigation, drainage, and turfing work Carrying out general maintenance like weeding, mulching, and pruning It’s varied, physical work that suits people who enjoy teamwork, problem-solving, and being outdoors in all seasons. 2. Get the right training and qualifications Landscaping and horticulture businesses are looking for skilled people and there are a number of formal training routes that will help you gain the skills you need to start a career in the industry. These are commonly offered by local colleges or land-based training providers and include: Level 1 or Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture or Landscaping Level 2 Apprenticeship in Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative LANTRA or City & Guilds accredited training in machinery use Apprenticeships are especially valuable, as they combine paid, on-the-job experience with formal study. However, formal qualifications aren’t always required, but relevant training can still help you stand out and progress more quickly. Employers often look for: Basic English and maths skills (GCSE level or equivalent). Ability to work as a team or on your own Construction skills for hard landscaping Specific training for machinery operation Short courses or certificates in landscaping, horticulture, or grounds maintenance 3. Gain practical experience Many aspects of the landscaping job involve skills that are best learned by doing. So, looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience can be an alternative way into the industry. Look for ways that you can: Volunteer with community gardens, local councils, or environmental charities Apply for entry-level operative roles with landscaping or grounds maintenance companies Complete work placements through apprenticeships or T-Levels (if aged 16-19) Every project helps you build your skills, confidence, and professional network. 4. Learn to Use tools and equipment safely Landscape operatives work with a wide range of tools and equipment, from hand tools to power tools and small plant machinery. Many employers offer in-house training, but completing short safety or equipment courses, for example through LANTRA, NPORS, or City & Guilds, can enhance your employability and demonstrate your professionalism. 5. Develop key skills and qualities The best landscape operatives combine practical ability with the right attitude. Employers value people who are: Reliable, punctual, and hardworking Physically fit and safety-conscious Able to work well in a team Willing to learn and take direction Proud of producing quality results These soft skills are just as important as technical knowledge and can help you progress quickly on site. 6. Plan your career progression Starting as a landscape operative opens the door to many long-term opportunities. With experience and further training, you could move into roles such as: Skilled landscaper or horticultural technician Team leader or site supervisor Estimator, project manager, or designer Self-employed contractor or small business owner Further study, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Landscape Construction or a Foundation Degree in Garden Design or a horticulture course, can help you specialise or advance into leadership positions. A career as a landscape operative in the UK is an excellent starting point for anyone who enjoys outdoor, hands-on work. Enrolling in landscape gardening courses can help you gain the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to build a rewarding career shaping the green spaces that make communities thrive.. ------------------------------------------------------------ # PPE or A&E? Don’t Learn Chainsaw Safety the Hard Way Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/ppe-or-ae-dont-learn-chainsaw-safety-the-hard-way/ Published: 2025-10-13 Chainsaws look cool. They’re powerful, fast, and easy to buy — you can pick one up in the supermarket, online, or at a DIY store. But here’s the catch: a chainsaw isn’t just another garden gadget. It’s a serious bit of kit that can do real damage if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why Lantra, the leading organisation for training and skills in the land-based and environment sector, has launched a new campaign called Respect the Chainsaw. The message is simple: get the right training, wear the right gear, and stay out of A&E. The Numbers Don’t Lie Over the last 10 years, more than 3,000 people across England, Wales and Scotland have ended up in A&E with chainsaw injuries. And since 2020, that number’s been rising fast. Most of these accidents could have been prevented with the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) and a bit of training. Respect the Chainsaw Lantra’s new campaign is here to bust the myths and keep you safe. Whether you’re cutting logs at home or starting out in forestry, learning how to handle a chainsaw properly isn’t optional — it’s essential. https://youtu.be/XBCOh8KPm54 To learn more about chainsaw safety, download guidance, or to find a Lantra training course near you, please visit www.lantra.co.uk/chainsaw-safety ------------------------------------------------------------ # Horticulture & Landscape Gardening: Your Guide To Green Career Paths Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/horticulture-landscape-gardening-your-guide-to-green-career-paths/ Published: 2025-09-11 If you're considering a career working with plants and outdoor spaces, you've likely come across the terms 'horticulture' and 'landscape gardening'. While these fields share a love of plants and the great outdoors, they each offer distinct career paths with different skills, focus areas, and opportunities. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right direction for your green career journey. What is Horticulture? Horticulture is the science and art of growing plants – it's the broad umbrella that encompasses everything from fruit and vegetable production to ornamental plant cultivation. The word itself comes from the Latin words 'hortus' (garden) and 'cultura' (cultivation), literally meaning garden cultivation. Horticulture is fundamentally about understanding plants at a deep level. It involves studying plant biology, soil science, plant nutrition, pest and disease management, and propagation techniques. Horticulturists are the plant experts who understand the 'why' behind plant growth – they know what makes plants thrive, how to breed new varieties, and how to solve complex growing problems. Within horticulture, there are several specialisations: Ornamental horticulture focuses on plants grown for their beauty, including flowers, shrubs, and trees used in gardens and landscapes. Commercial horticulture involves growing plants for profit, such as fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers. Arboriculture specialises in tree care and management, whilst greenhouse and nursery production centres on propagating and growing plants in controlled environments. The scope of horticultural work is vast. You might find horticulturists working in research facilities developing drought-resistant plant varieties, in botanical gardens conserving rare species, or in commercial nurseries producing plants for the retail market. Some work as consultants, helping gardeners and landscapers solve plant problems, whilst others focus on sustainable growing practices or plant breeding programmes. What is Landscape Gardening? Landscape gardening, on the other hand, is about creating and maintaining outdoor spaces. It's the practical application of horticultural knowledge combined with design principles, construction skills, and project management. Landscape gardeners are the professionals who transform outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful environments that people can enjoy. The landscape gardening field encompasses both soft landscaping (the living elements like plants, lawns, and trees) and hard landscaping (the non-living structural elements like patios, paths, walls, and water features). A landscape gardener needs to understand how these elements work together to create cohesive, practical outdoor spaces. Landscape gardening projects can range from small residential gardens to large commercial developments, public parks, and sports facilities. The work involves initial design and planning, site preparation, installation of both hard and soft landscape features, and ongoing maintenance to ensure spaces remain attractive and functional over time. Modern landscape gardening also increasingly focuses on sustainability and environmental benefits. Landscape gardeners are at the forefront of creating green spaces that help combat climate change, support biodiversity, and improve mental health and wellbeing in communities. Key Differences in Focus and Approach The fundamental difference between horticulture and landscaping lies in their primary focus: Horticulture is plant-centric – it's about understanding and optimising plant growth, health, and production. Landscape gardening is space-centric – it's about creating outdoor environments that serve human needs whilst incorporating plants as key elements. Think of it this way: a horticulturist might spend years perfecting the growing conditions for a particular rose variety, understanding its soil preferences, watering needs, and disease resistance. A landscape gardener, meanwhile, would select that rose variety because it fits perfectly into their design scheme, complements other plants in the space, and meets the client's requirements for colour, fragrance, and maintenance levels. The knowledge base differs significantly too. Horticulturists develop deep scientific knowledge about plant physiology, genetics, and growing systems. They understand the intricate details of how plants function and respond to different conditions. Landscape gardeners need broader knowledge that includes plant selection and care, but also extends to construction techniques, design principles, project management, and client relations. Skills & Qualifications: Different Paths to Success The skill sets required for each field reflect their different focuses. Horticultural careers typically require strong scientific knowledge, attention to detail, and often specialised technical skills. Depending on your chosen area, you might need expertise in plant propagation, pest identification and management, soil analysis, or greenhouse climate control systems. Educational paths in horticulture often include RHS qualifications, degrees in horticulture or plant sciences, and specialised certifications. Many horticulturists also develop expertise through apprenticeships, particularly in commercial growing operations or specialist areas like arboriculture. Landscape gardening careers require a blend of creative, practical, and business skills. You'll need to understand plants, but you'll also need construction skills for hard landscaping, design ability to create attractive spaces, and project management skills to coordinate complex installations. Customer service skills are crucial, as landscape gardeners work closely with clients throughout projects. Training for landscape gardening might include landscape construction apprenticeships, garden design courses, or broader qualifications that cover both the horticultural and construction aspects of the work. Many successful landscape gardeners also develop business skills, as many work as self-employed contractors or run their own companies. Career Opportunities and Progression Both fields offer excellent career prospects, but the opportunities differ significantly. Horticulture careers might lead you to work in research institutions, botanical gardens, commercial nurseries, garden centres, or as a specialist consultant. You could become a head gardener at a historic property, a plant breeder developing new varieties, or a technical advisor for commercial growers. Career progression in horticulture often involves developing deeper specialisation and expertise. You might start as a nursery assistant and progress to become a production manager, or begin in plant retail and develop into a specialist buyer or consultant. The field values knowledge and experience highly, and there are opportunities to become recognised experts in particular plant groups or growing techniques. Landscape gardening careers can take you from hands-on installation work to design roles, project management, or business ownership. You might start as a landscape operative and progress to become a supervisor, then a contracts manager or business owner. Alternatively, you could specialise in design and become a garden designer or landscape architect. The landscape industry offers particularly good opportunities for entrepreneurship. Many landscape gardeners eventually establish their own businesses, taking on projects that range from small garden makeovers to large commercial installations. The field also offers opportunities to specialise in areas like ecological landscaping, green roof installation, or sports surface construction. Making Your Choice: Which Path Suits You? Choosing between horticulture and landscape gardening depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. If you're fascinated by how plants work, enjoy problem-solving scientific challenges, and want to become a plant expert, horticulture might be your calling. This field suits people who are detail-oriented, enjoy working with their hands in growing environments, and are interested in the science behind plant cultivation. If you're more interested in creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces and enjoy variety in your work, landscape gardening could be the perfect fit. This field suits people who are practical and creative, enjoy working outdoors on different types of projects, and like the satisfaction of seeing a space transform from initial concept to finished garden. Consider also your preferred work environment. Horticulturists might work in controlled environments like greenhouses, laboratories, or specialised growing facilities. Landscape gardeners typically work outdoors on various sites, from residential gardens to commercial developments. The Overlap and Opportunities for Crossover It's worth noting that these fields aren't mutually exclusive. Many professionals combine elements of both, and understanding both areas can make you more valuable in the industry. A landscape gardener with strong horticultural knowledge can offer better plant selection and aftercare advice to clients. A horticulturist who understands landscape applications can better advise on how their plants will perform in different garden settings. Some career paths naturally combine both areas. Garden designers need strong horticultural knowledge to select appropriate plants, but they also need landscape skills to understand how gardens are constructed and maintained. Head gardeners at large properties often need both the horticultural expertise to maintain plant collections and the landscape skills to manage garden infrastructure. Your Green Career Awaits Whether you choose horticulture, landscape gardening, or a combination of both, you're entering an industry that offers meaningful work, variety, and the satisfaction of working with nature. Both fields are experiencing growth as society increasingly recognises the importance of green spaces for environmental sustainability and human wellbeing. The key is to start exploring the industry and gaining experience. Consider apprenticeships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time work in garden centres, nurseries, or with local landscape companies. Many people find their passion develops as they gain hands-on experience and discover which aspects of the work they enjoy most. Remember, careers in the green industry are diverse and evolving. New specialisations continue to emerge, from green roof technology to biodiversity enhancement, offering exciting opportunities for those entering the field. Whether your future lies in the scientific precision of horticulture or the creative problem-solving of landscape gardening, you'll be contributing to a more sustainable and beautiful world – and that's a career path worth growing. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Looking for a Career in Arboriculture? Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/looking-for-a-career-in-arboriculture/ Published: 2025-05-27 Join Beechwood Trees and Landscapes for their open day on Friday 30th May 2025.What's happening on the day?🔨 Kit Zone -Get up close with climbing, rigging and chainsaw gear, learn more about how it is used and even try it on!🚛 Fleet Walkabout - learn more about the vehicles and equipment🗣️ Meet The Team - meet everyone from apprentices to senior managers - ask anything!🧭 Careers Corner - pop in for informal chats on apprenticeships, training, progression and pay and much more!🍵 Food and Drink- Help yourself to food and drink📸 Photo Fun - Try on a hi-vis or a helmet and snap a shot in the arborist booth🎁 Freebies & Raffle - Everyone who attends gets a Beechwood goodie bag and the chance to win a few gifts. ------------------------------------------------------------ # The Chelsea Sessions Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/the-chelsea-sessions/ Published: 2025-05-15 Are you or your colleagues looking for a new or change of career in horticulture, landscape or design? Come and find out more at one of these brand new industry events that coincides with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Reserve your place at one of the Horticulture Careers Showcases scheduled to run for four evenings each featuring a different topic. Called “The Chelsea Sessions” they will be held upstairs at Daylesford Organic, at 44 Pimlico Road, London SW1, just around the corner from The Royal Hospital itself.  Tuesday 20th May             Garden Design Wednesday 21st May        Contracting & Building Thursday 22nd May           Landscapes & Parks Friday 23rd May                Marketing, Planning, Buying & Retail The evening sessions starts at 6pm with drinks and the opportunity for networking with then, at about 7pm, four or five speakers who will give a short five minute talk about their career paths – how they started and how they got to where they are. There will the opportunity for the audience to ask questions with additional drinks and networking afterwards and the sessions will close at 9.00pm.  Come and listen to those involved in all types of career paths within horticulture including garden design, landscaping, specialist landscape skills, estates management, parks, retail, sports grounds, plant buying, growing, urban design, community engagement, contracting & building, planning, well-being & therapy, ecological designers, podcasters and sustainable practice.” Book now to reserve your place! - The Chelsea Sessions   ------------------------------------------------------------ # BALI Chalk Fund Student of the Year Awards Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/bali-chalk-fund-student-of-the-year-awards/ Published: 2025-03-19 Applications are now being accepted. We’re delighted to announce that the 2024/25 BALI Chalk Fund Student of the Year Awards application window is now OPEN!If you’re studying garden design or a practical landscape course, you could be in with a chance of winning a cash prize and an invitation to the prestigious BALI National Landscape Awards.To learn more about the application process, the award, or our 2024 winners, visit the BALI Chalk Fund website now! 🎓🌱 ------------------------------------------------------------ # Growing Futures: Women and Diversity in Horticulture – Free Event Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/growing-futures-women-and-diversity-in-horticulture/ Published: 2025-02-18 Join Groundwork for a FREE inspiring panel Talk exploring how we can improve career access, training pathways, and representation for women and diverse groups in horticulture. The horticulture and green space sector has incredible career opportunities—but are they accessible and appealing to everyone? What to Expect: ✅ An inspiring panel discussion with women from various areas of the horticulture sector sharing their personal journeys, challenges, and successes in the industry ✅ Insights into the opportunities, benefits, and potential of a career in horticulture and green space ✅ Learn about access routes and pathways into the sector, whether you're just starting out or looking for a career change ✅ A welcoming network space for all jobseekers Whether you’re an employer, an industry professional, jobseeker, or a career changer, this event will provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a fresh perspective on shaping the future of the sector. 🌱 Panel Talk | Career Insights | Network ⏰ 7pm - 8pm Tuesday 4th March 2025 📍 The Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB 🎟️ Register to attend - you will need to confirm your attendance* To book your place click here. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Myerscough – My Sector Showcase Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/myerscough-my-sector-showcase/ Published: 2025-02-14 GoLandscape & Fargro in attendance GoLandscape and BALI accredited suppliers, Fargro, attended the highly anticipated Careers Fair at Myerscough College near Preston. The event offered students an exciting opportunity to explore various career paths within the land-based industries, and it was a great success. GOLandscape: Shaping the Future of Landscaping GoLandscape, a key player in the landscape industry, has long been known for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and education within the sector. As the education and skills initiative of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), GoLandscape actively seeks to inspire the next generation of landscape professionals. At the Myerscough College Careers Fair, GoLandscape representatives were on hand to chat with students about their career paths, the diverse range of opportunities in landscaping, and how to enter and thrive in this dynamic field. The landscape industry offers students the chance to work in a variety of roles – from design and project management to horticulture and environmental consultancy. Fargro: Bridging Horticulture with Innovation Fargro, one of the leading accredited suppliers to the horticulture industry and a proud member of BALI, also played an integral role at the fair. Known for their innovative approach to the horticultural supply chain, Fargro offers students a wealth of potential career paths, ranging from research and development to sales and consultancy. They provide the horticultural industry with cutting-edge solutions, from plant protection products to specialist advice. At the Careers Fair, Fargro’s representatives engaged with students, sharing valuable insights into the various facets of horticulture that go beyond traditional gardening. Fargro’s team focused on educating students about the growing importance of technology in horticulture, such as the use of biocontrols, sustainable practices, and the impact of new technologies like automated growing systems. By engaging with Fargro, students were introduced to a side of horticulture that combines science with practical skills, opening up opportunities in roles like product development, environmental consultancy, and plant science. For more information on Fargro, their products and job opportunities please visit their website. The Importance of Industry Collaboration The careers fair was a great reminder of how vital collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders like GoLandscape and Fargro is. By having such industry experts on hand to share their knowledge and experiences, the event provided Myerscough College students with valuable exposure to the realities of working in these dynamic sectors. It’s not just about understanding what’s required for the job but also how industries like landscaping and horticulture are evolving and responding to the challenges of sustainability, technology, and climate change. Both GoLandscape and Fargro were thrilled to see so many passionate and driven students at the event. Their participation in this Careers Fair wasn’t just about recruitment – it was about cultivating the next generation of professionals who will drive the future of the landscape and horticulture industries. ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to Become a Landscape Gardener in the UK Without any Experience Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/how-to-become-a-landscape-gardener-in-the-uk-without-any-experience/ Published: 2023-10-03 Working as a landscape horticulturist has a number of advantages. This is why people search to find out How to become a landscape gardener. Those with an interest in the outdoors and a passion for physical, imaginative, and manual labour will find it to be an intriguing career option. Whether you are a school dropout or seeking a career transition, these are the circumstances that will motivate you to research how to become a landscape gardener. The advantages of working as a landscape horticulturist are as follows. Through the design and creation of breathtaking outdoor settings, landscape landscapers have the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity. By combining plants, hardscape materials, and other elements, they can design visually enticing landscapes. Can you become a landscape gardener without any experience? It is difficult to become a landscape gardener in the United Kingdom without prior experience, but it is possible with hard work, education, and practical training. Here are some stages for getting started: Investigate the Profession: Discover the duties of landscape landscapers, which include designing, planning, planting, and maintaining gardens and outdoor spaces. Understand the necessary skills and qualities for the position, such as imagination, physical fitness, attention to detail, and plant knowledge. Acquire Fundamental Knowledge: Start by perusing articles and online resources about gardening, landscaping, and horticulture.Consider taking online courses or attending horticulture and landscaping workshops. Frequently, websites such as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) provide beneficial resources. Volunteering: In the current economic situation we believe volunteering is a great way in How to become a landscape gardener. Contact local landscaping companies, garden centres, and public gardens to inquire about internship and volunteer opportunities. At this point enthusiasm and reliability will be the things prospective employers will be looking for. If you manage to get a position this hands-on experience will help you develop a network of contacts and provide you with valuable industry insight. Gain Appropriate Qualifications: While formal credentials are not always required, they can enhance your credibility and employment opportunities. Consider registering for classes such as the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment, and Maintenance.Horticulture qualifications from City & Guilds.Some colleges and universities in the United Kingdom offer more comprehensive horticulture and landscape design programmes. Establish a Portfolio: During your volunteer or internship work, you should document any horticulture or landscaping projects you complete. Include photographs, illustrations, and detailed descriptions of your work to demonstrate your abilities and originality. Networking: Meet industry professionals by attending local gardening and landscaping events, trade fairs, and conferences.Join horticulture or horticultural societies and online forums to make connections with people who share your interests. Expect to Start Small: Start by offering your services as a landscape horticulturist or assistant on a freelance basis.Work on small initiatives for family and friends to enhance your reputation and experience. Aim to Get the Right Tools: Invest in necessary gardening and landscaping equipment, including spades, pruners, a wheelbarrow, and a lawnmower.As you acquire experience and undertake larger projects, you can add to your collection of tools. Think About Certification: Certification from professional organisations such as the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) or the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) is not required, but it can boost your credibility and employment opportunities. Develop Your Business by: Learn about business management, marketing, and accounting if you aspire to operate your own landscaping enterprise. Remember that becoming a successful landscape horticulturist requires persistence and time. Improve your skills continually, remain current on industry trends, and seek out opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals. In the United Kingdom, you can develop a rewarding career in landscape gardening with determination and effort. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping Apprenticeship Near Me Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-apprenticeship-near-me/ Published: 2023-09-26 We believe that landscaping apprenticeships are an excellent way in how to become a landscaper. Wherever you live in the UK people are searching for a Landscaping apprenticeship near me. This is not surprising because its a great way if you are wondering how to become a landscape gardener. A landscaping apprenticeship wherever it is in the UK you will learn many landscaping disciplines. As an apprentice, you will: Collaborate with professionals who have a wealth of expertise. Learn a variety of landscaping techniques. You will learn how to do a certain landscaping work. Get a salary and compensated vacation time (at least 20 days plus bank holidays). You will receive sick pay and any other company benefits. Make time to study for your work (typically one day each week). Will provide you with a terrific opportunity to discover landscaping jobs. So how do you become a landscaping apprenticeship? To become an apprentice in landscaping in the United Kingdom, you must search out a landscaping apprenticeships near me. Then apply for it which in turn will allow you to gain the necessary skills and experience. Following is a general guideline: To begin, look into the landscaping business in the UK to see what sorts of jobs are available, what talents are required, and what career options may be available to you. Learn about the various aspects of landscaping, such as garden planning, horticulture, and landscape construction. Meet the entry requirements: Most apprenticeships demand a minimum age (typically 16 or 18), a specific level of education (usually GCSEs), and the right to work in the UK. Find an Apprenticeship Programme: To discover about options, look for a Landscaping apprenticeship near me in your region. Looking on government websites, such as the National Apprenticeship Service (https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship), or calling local landscaping companies, universities, or reading more about landscaping apprenticeships is the best approach to find prospects. Everyone has access to a variety of landscaping apprenticeships. Application for Apprenticeships: Once you've chosen an appropriate apprenticeship plan, you may apply for it by following the instructions of the training provider or employer. Most of the time, this entails completing an application form and attending an interview. Complete the Apprenticeship: If you are accepted into an apprenticeship programme, you will work alongside professional landscapers while also attending school or training programmes. The apprenticeship normally lasts a specified amount of time, usually between 2 and 4 years, depending on the level and type of training. Gain Real-World Experience: As part of your apprenticeship, you will learn how to plant, install turf, pave, and design a garden. You will also learn about health and safety regulations, how to utilise tools, and how to manage a project. These are vital skills to learn and a compelling reason to pursue a landscaping apprenticeship. Earn certifications: As part of your apprenticeship, you may work towards industry-recognised credentials such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture or Landscape Construction. Make contacts and network: Making relationships with people in your field can help you acquire a job or advance in your career. Attend business events, join landscaping clubs, and explore for other opportunities to meet new people. Complete the apprenticeship test. You'll have to take tests near the end of your apprenticeship to prove that you know what you're doing. Written and practising tests may be included. Find Work: Finding work is the perfect step in how to become a landscape gardener. If your apprenticeship goes well, you might hunt for landscaping work with the company where you learned. Alternatively, your apprenticeship will assist you in your search for landscaping jobs with different landscaping companies. Maintain your professional development. Because the landscaping industry is constantly changing, you may wish to receive further training or certification to keep up with the current trends and i ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to Become a Self-Employed Landscape Gardener Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/how-to-become-a-self-employed-landscape-gardener/ Published: 2023-09-21 Those who enjoy spending time outside may have contemplated leaving their desk jobs for such a job. Landscape gardening gives people the opportunity to work outside. It entails creating landscapes and gardens as well as carrying out your design concept. But the next step is how do I become a landscape gardener and will I enjoy it. A landscape gardener's responsibilities will often include: Client communication on garden/landscape design. Recognising the client's requirements and expectations. Sketching and planning the client's vision. Making certain that your plans are inside your budget. Costing manpower, materials, and so on. Providing client estimations. Purchasing extras such as garden furniture. Creating water features. Turf cultivation and seeding as needed. Planting flowers, shrubs, and trees as needed. Landscape gardeners frequently advise their clients on the best ways to manage their garden or land after a job is completed. You may desire to provide further services to manage the space or garden at this time, and in doing so, you may be able to obtain continuous work. Qualifications required to work as a landscape gardener There are no official qualifications required to become a landscape gardener; nonetheless, a love of the outdoors and an interest for plants, shrubs, and gardening are important attributes to have. A horticulture qualification may be valuable, however experience is valued more than qualifications in the field of landscape gardening. If you want to obtain experience in this field, you should consider starting with a volunteer position. Contacting a nearby landscaped area, such as a National Trust or council-owned site, and asking if they need volunteers could be an excellent opportunity to gain useful gardening experience. Advantages of becoming a self-employed landscape gardener If you are convinced landscape gardening you may wonder How to become a landscape gardener. The answer is set up in business yourself and go self employed. This may not be an obvious way in how to get into landscaping. However many self-employed landscape gardeners prefer to work for themselves. Some astute business minded landscape gardeners work for themselves straight after gaining industry experience Working as a self-employed landscape gardener has numerous advantages, some of which are given here. Flexible working hours - As a self-employed worker, you can set your own hours and organise your work around any personal obligations you may have. However, keep in mind that your work as a landscape gardener is weather sensitive, so you may need to organise your working hours based on the weather prediction. Choose the projects you work on - One of the benefits of working for yourself is that you may pick and choose the clients you deal with. As a result, you can accept those tasks that pique your interest and will add value to your portfolio. Build your portfolio rapidly - Because many self-employed landscape gardeners work on a variety of projects, they obtain a lot of experience in a short period of time. A diverse portfolio of work is an excellent method to demonstrate your abilities to potential clients and is also useful for marketing. Job happiness - Those who work for themselves frequently report higher levels of job satisfaction than full-time employees. Many things contribute to this, including flexible work hours, a lack of office politics, and the independence that comes with being your own boss. Finding work as a landscape gardener on your own Anyone starting their own firm must find a strategy to communicate the services that they provide to potential customers. Whether you want to employ flyers, car labels, pamphlets, or signs, keep your target market in mind. Landscape gardeners can promote their work on a digital platform thanks to the internet. A website that is routinely updated with photographs from current projects and glowing testimonials is the ideal place for potential clients to learn more about your company. There are numerous places where you can market your services to customers looking for tradespeople. You may be charged a shortlist or signup cost, so it may be worth selecting for a website that will only charge you once you have completed a project to secure a return on investment. MyBuilder is one such website. Developing relationships with current clients is an excellent strategy to get continued maintenance business. As a landscape gardener, having a mix of continuing and one-time project work is an excellent way to operate since consistent income from ongoing work provides security when hunting for your next project. Pay rates for landscape gardeners The amount you could be paid as a landscape gardener will depend on a number of things, including the time of year, the number of clients you work for, and, of course, the amount you charge for your services. Landscape gardeners typically charge a flat fee per task, which takes into account the materials required, the complexity and skill level involved, and the length of time it will take to finish. Landscape gardening is a seasonal occupation. You will most likely be rushed during the summer months, whereas the winter months will be much slower. Before deciding to become a self employed landscape gardening and looking at how to get into landscaping It is critical that you prepare for downtime and save money for times when the weather affects your ability to operate. Choosing an accountant Organising your finances and taking responsibility for your tax and National Insurance contributions can be a difficult component of going self-employed. Many self-employed individuals hire an accountant to manage their money, allowing them to focus on building their business. Using a professional accountant gives you 2 advantages. Firstly they will ensure that all of your accounts are proper and up to date. Secondly they will also guarantee that you are conducting your business in the most tax-efficient manner possible and that you are claiming all of the costs to which you are entitled. ------------------------------------------------------------ # What Essential Skills and Knowledge are Needed to Become a Landscape Gardener? Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/what-essential-skills-and-knowledge-are-needed-to-become-a-landscape-gardener/ Published: 2023-09-12 A landscape gardener designs, plots, and maintains outdoor spaces including gardens, parks, and residential or commercial landscapes. Working alongside a landscape labourer, they bring these designs to life using knowledge in horticulture, landscape design, and environmental protection. Landscaper gardeners play an essential role in enhancing the visual appeal of outdoor spaces while ensuring their functionality and sustainability. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces, a landscape gardener job offers a number of additional advantages. It contributes to the improvement of air quality by reducing pollution and collecting dust and smoke particles. Moreover, landscaping can contribute to energy conservation by providing shade and insulation, resulting in reduced heating and cooling costs for buildings. So how do you become a landscape gardener? We believe it is a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience is along with physically fit for some roles. Essential Skills and Knowledge In addition to gaining practical experience and specialised knowledge, it is essential for individuals in landscape gardening to possess strong communication and problem-solving skills. Effective communication is crucial when working with clients, understanding their needs, and presenting design ideas. Problem-solving skills are necessary for identifying and resolving issues that may arise during landscaping projects, such as dealing with unexpected soil conditions or finding creative solutions for limited space. Understanding of plants, soil, and climate conditions Understanding of plants, soil, and climate conditions many believe is the most important aspect for how to become a landscape gardener. This knowledge allows individuals to select the right plants for a specific environment and ensure their proper growth and maintenance. Additionally, being familiar with local regulations and permits is essential to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issues during landscaping projects. Plants: Knowing about different plant species, their growth habits, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic qualities is fundamental for landscape design and maintenance. This knowledge allows you to choose the right plants for a particular location, taking into account factors like sun exposure, soil type, and water availability. It also enables you to create visually appealing and sustainable landscapes. Soil: Soil is the foundation for healthy plant growth. Understanding soil composition, pH levels, and drainage characteristics is essential for selecting appropriate plants and making necessary soil amendments. Proper soil preparation ensures that plants thrive and the landscape remains resilient. Climate Conditions: Climate plays a significant role in determining which plants will thrive in a given area. Being aware of local climate conditions, including temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and seasonal variations, allows you to select plants that are well-suited to the environment. This knowledge also helps you plan for irrigation and climate-appropriate Proficiency in landscape design principles and techniques This is crucial for creating aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor spaces. This includes knowledge of colour theory, spatial planning, and the use of various materials such as stone, wood, and water features. Moreover, staying updated on current trends in landscaping can help professionals offer innovative and modern designs to their clients. Knowledge of various tools, equipment, and materials used in landscaping is essential for executing projects efficiently and effectively Knowledge of various tools, equipment, and materials used in landscaping is essential for anyone looking to become a landscaper. Landscaping is a profession that involves designing, installing, and maintaining outdoor spaces, and it requires a good understanding of the tools and materials used in the field. Here are some key aspects of this knowledge: Tools: Landscapers use a wide range of tools, including shovels, rakes, hoes, pruners, shears, wheelbarrows, and power tools such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers. Knowing how to use these tools correctly and safely is important for efficiency and safety on the job. Equipment: Depending on the scale of the landscaping project, you may need to operate heavy equipment such as tractors, excavators, and skid-steer loaders. Understanding how to use and maintain this equipment is crucial for larger landscaping projects. Materials: Landscapers work with various materials, including soil, mulch, gravel, rocks, pavers, bricks, wood, and plants. Knowledge of these materials and how to properly use, install, and care for them is essential for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Safety: Landscaping can involve physical work and the use of potentially dangerous equipment. Knowledge of safety protocols and practices is vital to prevent accidents and injuries Physically fit Being physically fit can be beneficial for a career as a landscaper, but it may not be an absolute requirement. Landscaping often involves tasks that can be physically demanding, such as lifting heavy objects, digging, planting, and operating equipment like lawnmowers or leaf blowers. Therefore, being in good physical condition can make these tasks easier and reduce the risk of injury. However, the level of physical fitness required can vary depending on the specific tasks and scope of your landscaping work. Some landscaping jobs may be more physically demanding than others. Additionally, there are ways to adapt to the physical demands of the job, such as using proper lifting techniques and taking breaks when needed. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Do I need qualifications to Become a Landscape Gardener Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/do-i-need-qualifications-to-become-a-landscape-gardener/ Published: 2023-09-12 For the purposes of answering this question we are assuming landscaper is the same term as landscape gardener. So do you need qualifications in terms of answering how to become a landscape gardener. A landscape labourer works closely with a landscape gardener, assisting in the design, planning, and maintenance of outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, and residential or commercial landscapes. They support projects that enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and sustainability of outdoor environments while gaining hands-on experience in horticulture and landscape construction. A landscape gardener job involves more than just improving the visual appeal of outdoor spaces. It also contributes to environmental benefits such as better air quality by reducing pollution and capturing dust and smoke particles. Additionally, effective landscaping supports energy conservation by providing shade and insulation, helping to lower heating and cooling costs for buildings.Becoming a successful landscaper requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. So what qualifications do you need to become a landscape gardener? To get into landscaping there are jobs and opportunities where no formal qualifications are required. This depends on the actual role you are applying for but will probably require good amount of physical strength.In terms of How to become Landscape Gardener having a degree or some sort of certificate in landscape gardening will be preferred by many landscape gardening companies. Pursuing a degree or certification in landscape design or horticulture:  This can provide a solid foundation for a career in landscaping. Courses in plant identification, soil science, and landscape construction can help develop the necessary expertise. Additionally, participating in internships or apprenticeships can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities within the industry. Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences related to landscaping: This can also enhance skills and knowledge in the field. These events often feature industry experts who share the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in landscaping. Furthermore, joining professional organisations such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals can provide access to major resources. It will also give access to mentorship programs, and networking events that can further advance a career in landscaping. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or Landscape Gardening apprenticeships: This is another valuable way to develop skills and knowledge in landscaping. In taking up a landscape gardening apprenticeship allow individuals to work alongside experienced professionals, gaining practical experience and learning industry best practices. Additionally, seeking out continuing education courses or certifications in specialised areas of landscaping, such as sustainable design or horticulture, can enhance one's expertise and make them more marketable in the field. A landscape gardening apprenticeship is very flexible and a great way to work and gain qualifications at the same time. It will also allow the apprentice to get a taster of the many roles of landscape gardeners. ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to Become a Landscape Gardener Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/how-to-become-a-landscape-gardener/ Published: 2023-09-05 People often use the words "landscaper" and "landscape gardener" interchangeably, but there are small differences based on where you are and what you are doing. In general, both jobs involve improving the look and function of outdoor areas. So let's have a look at their main focuses before advising how to become a landscape gardener. Landscaper: ChatGPT said: A landscape labourer usually does a lot of different kinds of work. They can help with various parts of landscaping, such as hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls), softscaping (planting, lawn care), irrigation, and outdoor building. Commercial and residential landscape gardeners can work on projects for both businesses and private homes. They might be in charge of designing, building, and taking care of settings as a whole. Landscape Gardener: On the other hand, landscape gardeners tend to focus more on plants and gardening than on other things. They know how to plant, grow, and take care of many different kinds of plants, like flowers, shrubs, trees, and fields.Landscape gardeners may work mostly on residential properties, where their main jobs are to make and take care of gardens and green areas that look nice. Detailed Knowledge of Plants: They usually know a lot about different kinds of plants, how dirt is made, and how to grow plants.In many situations, it may not be easy to tell the difference between a landscaper and a landscape gardener. People who work in these areas may offer a range of services that overlap. The job title and duties can also be different from one place to the next and from one company to the next. So becoming a landscape gardener is a very similar way to becoming a landscaper. You should look at getting a mix of schooling, training, and experience in the real world. Here are a few steps if you want to know how to become a landscape gardener: Do I Need a Degree? Landscape Gardeners who have a degree or certificate in landscape gardening or a similar area are preferred by many companies.Also, if you have certifications in specific areas like irrigation or arboriculture, you probably will be more desirable. Get a Formal Education:  Getting a formal education in gardening or a similar field isn't always necessary, but it could give you an edge in the job market.Many community colleges and vocational schools offer programmes in landscape design, horticulture, and other similar fields. Think about getting a certificate in your field. These are like the Landscape Industry Certified Technician from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) or the Certified Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) from NALP. Part Time Work: You could work part-time or do an internship with a landscaping business. This will give you hands-on training and teach you about the different parts of the job. Volunteering at a botanical garden or community garden is another way to learn new skills and meet people in your field. Landscape Gardening Apprenticeship: A landscape gardening apprenticeship is a great way to start out in the landscaping business, and you'll get to see the different types of landscaping. Taking up a landscape gardening apprenticeship will give you: You will work with people who have a lot of experience as an assistant. Learn different skills for gardening. You will learn how to do a certain kind of gardening work. Get a salary and paid time. You will get sick pay and other benefits from the company. Get a day a week (usually) to study for your job. Will give you a great chance of getting jobs in landscaping. Put Together a Portfolio: Its always best to keep a record of your work, including photos, sketches, and design plans, to show possible employers or clients your skills and experience. Network: Attend industry events, join professional groups, and talk to other professionals in the field to build your network and find job leads. Finally the last way in how to become a landscape gardener is to keep up to date and check out landscaping companies. But also nurseries and garden shops for their latest jobs. Keep in mind that it takes time, dedication, and hard work to become a good landscape gardener. If you want to stay competitive in the market, you need to keep learning and getting better. Lastly, the amount of education and training you need to become a landscape gardener will depend on what kind of work you want to do and what companies want. No matter where you went to school, if you want to pursue a landscape gardener job, you need to have a strong work ethic, pay attention to detail, and love creating beautiful outdoor spaces. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping jobs and careers that have a future Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-jobs-and-careers-that-have-a-future/ Published: 2023-07-28 A career in horticulture or landscaping is appealing to many individuals for a variety of reasons. In addition, the landscaping industry offers a variety of tasks, including hard and soft landscaping.Included in landscape related occupations are landscape architects, landscape and garden designers and landscape maintenance personnel. Gerard in this video explains how landscaping jobs play a major part in civil engineering projects.He mentions how a job in landscaping design and hard landscaping now creates much more exciting commercial outdoor spaces.This is compared to previous times when purely grassing an area whatever size would be a go to idea.But now fortunately hard landscaping options are considered just as much and this gives a lot more opportunites for jobs in landscaping. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gk9lBP_-zfY Landscaping jobs are careers for the future video What does hard landscaping involve? The expression "hard landscaping" refers to the practise of incorporating man-made, non-living elements into outdoor landscape design and maintenance. Hard landscaping, as opposed to "soft landscaping," which concentrates on living things such as plants and trees, involves the construction of permanent and functional elements to create structure, define spaces, and enhance the visual appeal of an area.As discussed by Gerard in his video hard landscaping is a big part of landscaping jobs. Common hardscaping elements consist of: Outdoor dining areas and pathways are constructed using flat materials. These are things like concrete, pavers, flagstones, or bricks. Driveways: The planning and construction of an asphalt, concrete, gravel. Or it can be interlocking paver surface for vehicular ingress and parking. To prevent soil erosion and create terraced levels on sloped land. As well as bricks, stones, or concrete blocks are used to construct retaining walls. Wood, vinyl, metal, or stone can be used to build fences and walls. These are then used for privacy, security, and aesthetics. Decks and pergolas are elevated platforms or structures typically constructed from wood or composite materials. Then used for outdoor socialising and feasting. Including fountains, ponds, cascades, and artificial streams. As well as water features are a calming and aesthetically pleasing addition to any setting. At night, outdoor lighting improves the illumination of pathways, focal points, and architectural features. Using stones, bricks or metal, garden edging is the practise of delineating a boundary. This is normally around a planting bed, walkway or other landscape feature. Installing amenities such as a washbasin, counter space, grill and chairs. This being is part of creating an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area. Playground structures, such as swing sets, slides, and seesaws, are constructed. For hardscaping projects to attain the desired level of functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, meticulous planning, design, and construction are required.In order to bring the design concepts to reality and make the outdoor space more attractive and functional, these projects frequently involve somebody with a job in landscaping that includes professional landscapers, architects, or contractors. What is hard landscaping? In outdoor areas and landscaping initiatives, hardscaping serves multiple important functions. Hard landscaping works in synergy with soft landscaping which creates a lot of landscape gardening jobs The following are some of the most important reasons that hardscape elements are used: Hardscaping provides form and function to outdoor spaces and defines their configuration. The environment is enhanced by introducing well-defined pathways, seating areas, and other zones. Hardscaping elements are constructed to withstand the elements and heavy foot traffic for many years, extending the time you can appreciate your outdoor space. Hard landscaping generally requires less maintenance than soft landscaping (plants and foliage). After installation, patios, walkways, and retaining walls require minimal maintenance. Hard landscaping improves the safety of outdoor areas by reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by stumbling. Aesthetically, the inclusion of hardscape elements improves the overall appearance of the landscape. They can be used to enhance the appearance of structures and draw attention to specific elements of a design. Hardscaping can significantly increase the value of a residence or business if it is well-designed and expertly executed. A property with an attractive outdoor space is likely to sell faster and for a higher price. Patios, decks, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens provide additional space for entertaining visitors and hosting fun outdoor gatherings. Erosion Prevention Hardscaping elements such as retaining walls and curbing can be used to stabilise soil on slopes and other inherently unstable surfaces. In terms of design, hard landscaping offers a great deal of flexibility. Different materials, hues, and textures can be utilised to achieve a desired aesthetic or to accommodate the property owner's preferences. Two examples of hard landscaping elements that contribute to efficient water management and conservation are permeable pavements and rainwater harvesting systems. Hard landscaping complements soft landscaping because it provides the structure for outdoor spaces, ensures their functionality, and enhances their aesthetic appeal. The most attractive outd ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping jobs – give a sense of achievement Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-jobs-give-a-sense-of-achievement/ Published: 2023-06-30 There are numerous reasons to pursue a landscaping profession and a career in the landscaping industry. Furthermore, the landscaping industry offers a diverse range of jobs. These range from hard to soft landscaping operations. Examples of landscape gardening jobs start from the design aspect. So such jobs are landscape architecture aswell as landscape and garden design. Then there is landscape maintenance. If you are seeking landscaping employment, we can provide you with real-life interviews with people who currently work in the industry. View our interview with Conroy explains why a career in landscaping provides job security. He also explains what aspects of his job make him so proud to be a landscaper. https://www.youtube.com/embed/0ICiQjunc1c Many landscapers have a sense of achievement in their work Many landscapers feel a sense of accomplishment in their work whatever landscaping jobs they have. Landscaping is a creative and rewarding career. It allows people to turn outside spaces into attractive and practical landscapes. Here are some of the reasons why landscapers frequently enjoy a sense of accomplishment in their work: Landscape design provides opportunity for aesthetic expression and innovation. Landscapers can display their abilities, ideas, and vision by designing and implementing landscape plans. It may be extremely satisfying for designers to see their designs come to life. And watch the transformation of a space. Landscape gardening jobs are capable of transforming plain or neglected spaces into visually beautiful and usable outdoor habitats. They can design enticing gardens, vivid flora, tranquil water features. They can also design useful hardscapes to improve a space's overall aesthetics and usability. It may be quite fulfilling to see the beneficial influence their labour has on the environment. Along with the satisfaction it offers to clients. Long-Term Effect: Landscaping work frequently has a long-term impact on the outdoor areas it creates. Landscapes that are well-designed and well-maintained can thrive and evolve throughout time, bringing enjoyment for many years.Landscapers take delight in knowing that their efforts contribute to the environment's long-term beauty and sustainability. Client Satisfaction: Landscapers frequently collaborate with clients to learn about their wants, preferences, and vision for their outside environments. Meeting and exceeding client expectations may be extremely rewarding. Creating a landscape that meets the needs of a customer and seeing their happiness with the ultimate result can be a huge source of accomplishment for landscaper Landscaping experts that prioritise sustainable practises and ecologically friendly design can receive a sense of accomplishment from their contribution to ecological equilibrium. Landscapers can positively benefit the environment by including native plants, adopting water-efficient irrigation systems, and practising responsible soil and pest management. Personal Development and Learning: Landscaping necessitates continual learning and progress. Landscapers frequently broaden their understanding of flora, design principles, construction skills, and environmental practises as professionals. Learning new skills and staying current on industry trends and advances can create a sense of personal growth and accomplishment. What types of tasks are performed in landscaping?? Tasks in Landscaping jobs are varied and activities are aimed at the design, installation, and maintenance of outdoor spaces, such as gardens, parks, yards, and other landscapes. Here are some of the most prevalent types of landscaping work: Landscape design involves the planning and creation of a blueprint for an outdoor space, considering aesthetics, functionality, client preferences, and site conditions into consideration. Landscape designers use their expertise to choose plants, hardscape elements (e.g., pathways, patios, retaining walls), and other elements that enhance the overall design. Landscapers are also responsible for the selection, planting, and maintenance of numerous plants, trees, shrubbery, flowers, and grasses. They take climate, soil conditions, and maintenance needs into account when designing an attractive and sustainable landscape. This work may entail activities such as soil preparation, planting, fertilising, pruning, and pest control. Hardscape Installation: Landscapers frequently use hardscape elements to add functionality, structure, and aesthetic appeal to outdoor spaces. This may involve the implementation of walkways, driveways, decks, fences, walls, pergolas, and outdoor structures such as gazebos or water features. The Installation of hardscape requires knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and drainage and stability. Landscapers design, install, and maintain irrigation systems to ensure that plants and lawns are watered properly. They evaluate water requirements, install sprinkler systems, drip irrigation systems, or other watering methods. They may also implement rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainability and water efficiency. Lawn Care and Maintenance Landscapers provide routine lawn care and maintenance services. Examples of this for instance is mowing, edging, aerating, fertilising, and insect control. In addition, they may supervise seasonal tasks such as overseeding, dethatching, and winterisation. Installation of lighting systems is another component of landscaping. It involves strategically positioning outdoor lighting fixtures to improve the landscape's aesthetics, functionality, and safety. Landscapers choose suitable lighting types, such as pathway lights, spotlights, and accent lights, and devise lighting layouts that complement the overall landscape design. Renovation and Enhancement of Existing Landscapes: Landscapers may be responsible for renovating or enhancing existing landscapes. This may involve removing or replacing plants, redesigning hardscape elements, enhancing drainage, modernising irrigation systems, and instituting sustainable practises. Landscapers frequently provide continuous maintenance services to preserve the health and beauty of outdoor areas. To maintain the landscape looking its best, this may involve routine t ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscape gardening jobs Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscape-gardening-jobs/ Published: 2023-05-25 The landscape industry has a broad range of landscape gardener jobs and job types.Anything connected with green spaces and their environment will involve a landscaper, and the roles include: Hard Landscaping Soft Landscaping Landscape Design Maintenance Consultation Hard Landscaping Jobs As the name implies, this involves working with hard materials such as patios, walkways, driveways, hard stands, and parking lots. Garden structures, greenhouses/poly tunnels, pergolas, fencing, walls, retainers, and raised beds are all installed. Pools, ponds, and water features, as well as statues and garden art, are all created and installed. These types of landscape gardener jobs are often found within local landscaping companies that may be sole traders. Operative level job role – A skilled Landscaping Labourer that works under a SupervisorSupervisor or Foreman job – Oversees Operatives making sure the projects run smoothlyManager job – Implements client specifications, oversees Supervisors and overall projects Soft landscaping Jobs This encompasses the softer aspects of landscaping such as cultivating and preparing the ground and soil, installing turf, sowing seed, situating and planting plants, trees, and shrubs, and providing initial aftercare. Such landscape gardening jobs may be found in a gardening and landscaping company. Operative level – A skilled Landscaping Labourer that works under a SupervisorSupervisor or Foreman – Oversees Operatives making sure the projects run smoothlyManager – Implements client specifications, oversees Supervisors and overall projects Design This component of landscaping combines creativity and problem solving. Landscape and garden designers are in charge of assessing sites, creating scale plans, artist's impressions for transforming the landscape, and creating construction tenders. You can advance your education by studying landscape architecture and designing large-scale gardens, parks, and outdoor areas. Maintenance The work does not cease once the plants are planted. Plant maintenance will include pruning, feeding, managing pests and diseases, reducing competition, and replacing plants. This also includes lawns and grassed spaces,ensuring that footballers and golfers can continue to play. These processes also make use of a variety of machinery. Consultation Those with a more technical and scientific mind can train for landscape professions such as site surveys, material and budget estimation, consultation, soil analysis, agronomists, and irrigation design and installation. There are so many reasons to work as a landscape gardener There are various benefits to working in one of the landscape gardening jobs available. Here are a few examples : Creativity and Artistry: You have the opportunity to display your creativity and creative flair as a landscape gardener. Outdoor area design allows you to combine diverse components such as plants, hardscapes, water features, and lighting to create visually pleasing landscapes. Working with Nature: Working with nature is an important aspect of landscaping. You learn to value and comprehend natural habitats, plants, and their interconnections. It can be rewarding to build harmonious landscapes that blend in with the surrounding natural elements. Outdoor Work Environment: If you prefer spending time outside, working as a landscape gardener allows you to do so. Instead of being restricted to an office, you can enjoy fresh air, sunlight, and the changing seasons while working on various tasks. Landscaping work frequently entails physical labour, such as digging, planting, lifting, and moving things. If you choose an active profession that keeps you physically healthy and involved, this element can be useful. Variety and Difficulties: Each landscaping job is distinct, providing new problems and opportunities. You will be working on a variety of projects, including home gardens, business parks, and public places. The variety makes the jobinteresting and allows you to learn and grow on the job. Impact on People's Lives: Landscapes have a big impact on people's happiness and quality of life. You can build landscapes that bring relaxation, tranquilly, and aesthetic delight as a landscape gardener. Your contribution can improvethe aesthetics of a neighbourhood, provide gathering spots, or benefit the environment as a whole. Opportunities for Entrepreneurship: Many landscape gardeners have the option of starting their own firms or working as freelancers. This allows you to select projects, create your own schedule, and maybe earn a larger salary.Being your own boss may be a rewarding experience that gives you a sense of autonomy and control over your job. Further benefits of being a landscape gardener Landscape design is a field that is always evolving. There are new plant kinds, sustainable practises, and design trends to discover all the time. If you enjoy learning, working as a landscape gardener allows you to keep up with new advances and incorporate them into your job. Job Security: Landscaping is a service that is in high demand all year. People will always require the upkeep and beautification of outdoor places. This provides some employment security, especially if you create a strong reputation and a consistent client base. Job happiness: Finally, for many landscape gardeners, the happiness that comes from improving outdoor settings and experiencing the good impact of their labour is the most important benefit. The satisfaction of producing something beautiful and being able to share it with others can be enormous. While there are benefits to becoming a landscape gardener, it is crucial to note that the work can be physically taxing, involving long hours and exposure to a variety of weather conditions. ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to get into landscaping Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/how-to-get-into-landscaping/ Published: 2023-05-24 The landscape sector provides occupations such as a landscape labourer that require a diverse skill set; however, this may be a double-edged sword, offering variation in the role but also demanding a large number of abilities to learn and perfect.You won't be expected to know them all right away, and it's not the first thing landscaping businesses look for. So, where do you begin when it comes to industry-specific skills? Let's take a look at what landscapers are looking for. A Horticulture Sector Skills Survey was conducted in 2019, and a significant part of the survey was to look at the skills gaps that the industry suffers. So, what were the findings, and what industry skills do landscaping companies place the greatest weight on? Gaining some of these skills ahead of time will undoubtedly increase your employability when applying for a landscape gardener job with landscaping companies. Be healthy and keep yourself safe Throughout the skills survey, occupations requiring managerial, technical, and trades abilities all emphasised the importance of health and safety; it was consistently ranked as one of their top two skills. To exist, function, and maintain a good reputation with clients and employees, businesses must run properly, with their workforce conforming to current health and safety standards and practises. Consider obtaining a landscape-specific health and safety qualification, such as the Register of Land-based Operators Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness Course, which will verify your ability to work safely. You could also add a LISS/CSCS card, which permits you to work on a business site, indicating not just that you can operate safely, but also that you have additional industry certifications. Allow the tool to do the work. The improvement of technology and machines is critical to the survival of any company, including the landscape industry. Many pieces of machinery have been invented to assist professional landscapers in their everyday responsibilities, ranging from cutting grass to moving and sculpting the earth on a new project. When landscaping equipment is damaged or breaks down, landscapers can lose a lot of time. As a result, the value of a qualified machine operator is significant, as are those who know how to use equipment correctly, safely, and to its maximum capability, as well as how to check it and frequently make basic repairs on it when it breaks down.Depending on the area of landscaping in which you are interested, it may be worthwhile to invest in certain industry-specific short courses that focus on a single piece of equipment. Understand how you can change the environment for good The environment and climate change are on everyone's mind, and businesses are working hard to demonstrate how ecologically safe they and their goods are. Landscapers are pioneers in their field, developing and sustaining our green spaces, all of which have a direct impact on the environment and aid in the slowing of climate change. Add to that the effect that green spaces have on our mental health, its no wonder people ask how to get into landscaping because it is a career that makes a genuine and concrete difference to our world and its inhabitants; in other words, who wouldn't want to be paid to do a job that makes such a difference? Landscapers are looking for people that are passionate about the environment and want to help make the necessary improvements. Everything is in the design. The majority of projects begin with a design. There are various positions dedicated purely to design, such as Garden Designers and Landscape Architects, however most landscape organisations include design into their operations.Designers are in charge of putting together a green area or garden in the form of a design that will eventually be built. They show incredible talent in understanding that process and building a space that works for both the customer and the context in which it will be placed. Designers hone their creative and problem-solving abilities, as well as their understanding of construction and plants. There are numerous courses available to assist you develop these talents and learn the concepts of garden design. Hard landscaping and soft landscaping The abilities that focus on hard landscaping, the construction element of green spaces using 'hard' materials and soft landscaping, the planting up of projects and the use of'soft' materials are the guts and bolts of most landscape firms. If you are wanting to know How to get into landscaping you will need to realise landscapers use a wide range of skills, which implies they never stop learning or developing these skills. Members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) emphasise the necessity of construction skills such as masonry, timber work, laying asphalt, surveying, and marking out as i ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to Become a Landscaper Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/how-to-become-a-landscaper/ Published: 2023-05-12 Do I need a Degree to work as a Landscaper? While a formal qualification is not required to become a landscaper, some education and training in the profession might be advantageous. Many firms prefer to recruit landscapers with a degree or certificate in landscaping or a similar field. Furthermore, holding qualifications in specialised areas of landscaping, such as irrigation or arboriculture, might make you more marketable. Some landscapers, however, obtain experience through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. They may begin as a labourer or an assistant, learning the craft from experienced pros. They may gather enough experience over time to take on greater tasks and advance in the field. Finally, the level of education and training required to become a landscaper will be determined by the precise profession you want and the requirements of possible employers. Regardless of your educational background, a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for creating beautiful outdoor places are essential in how to become a landscaper. Getting a Job as a Landscaper Typically how to become a landscaper requires a combination of education, training, and practical experience. Here are some stages to becoming a landscaper: Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent: A high school diploma or similar is required for the majority of landscaping jobs. Get some formal education: While formal schooling in landscaping or a similar subject is not necessarily required, it might provide you an advantage in the employment market. Landscape design, horticulture, and other related programmes are available at many community colleges and vocational institutions. Consider obtaining a part-time job or internship with a landscaping company. The will enable you to gain hands-on experience and learn about the various parts of the profession. You can also get skills and build industry connections by volunteering at a botanical garden or community garden. Obtain certificates: Consider earning industry certifications. These are like the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Landscape Industry Certified Technician or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Create a portfolio: Keep a record of your work, including photos, sketches, and design plans, to demonstrate potential employers or clients your talents and experience. Network: To grow your network and generate job leads, attend industry events, join professional organisations, and engage with other professionals in the field. Look for job possibilities in landscaping companies, nurseries, and garden centres. You might even start your own landscaping company. Keep in mind that becoming a good landscaper takes time, commitment, and hard work. Continue to learn and improve your abilities in order to remain competitive in the market. What kinds of Employment can I get as a Landscaper? You can conduct a variety of duties as a landscaper. Here are a couple such examples: A landscape designer plans and creates outdoor places such as gardens, parks, and residential landscapes. They collaborate with customers to understand their wants and preferences in order to generate design plans that fit those goals and desires. A landscape architect is in charge of the design and development of outdoor places such as parks, campuses, and recreational areas. They collaborate with municipal planners and other specialists to ensure that their designs are appropriate for the neighbourhood. A groundskeeper is in charge of the upkeep and care of outdoor environments such as parks, golf courses, and campuses. They maintain the grounds by mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers. Horticulturist: A horticulturist is an expert in plant and flower cultivation. They work in nurseries, botanical gardens, and other green places, advising on the finest growth techniques and practises. Irrigation Specialist: An irrigation specialist installs and maintains irrigation systems in order to keep plants and landscapes healthy. They design and install irrigation systems, as well as troubleshoot and repair faulty equipment. Landscape Contractor: A landscape contractor is in charge of overseeing landscaping projects from beginning to end. They are in charge of overseeing the building of outdoor spaces, such as the installation of hardscapes such as patios and pathways, as well as the planting of trees and bushes. Arborist: An arborist is a tree care specialist. They detect and treat tree diseases, trim branches, and remove unhealthy trees. These are just a few of the occupations available in the landscaping sector. There are plenty different ------------------------------------------------------------ # British Sugar TOPSOIL celebrates launch of TOPSOIL Academy with training bursary Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/british-sugar-topsoil-celebrates-launch-of-topsoil-academy-with-training-bursary/ Published: 2022-02-01 The wealth of technical, scientific, regulatory and storage/handling information on soils that British Sugar TOPSOIL has developed and made freely available via its website has now been ordered and consolidated under the new TOPSOIL Academy tab. And to celebrate the launch of this comprehensive learning resource, TOPSOIL will award a training bursary of £500 to one successful applicant working in any of the following areas: Groundworks/Construction Landscape contracting Greenkeeping Groundsmanship Garden design National TOPSOIL Manager Andy Spetch has long been an advocate of giving those working in the land-based sector as much independently verified information on soils as possible: “British Sugar TOPSOIL has always made its product testing and analysis data freely available and has encouraged customers to get acquainted with what that data is telling them about our products. We soon found that there was a thirst for independent, objective information on soils in general and so we made all our trials reports from the STRI and other respected organisations available for scrutiny. “Our TOPSOIL Academy brings together all that technical and scientific information, plus more practical help and guidance, in one place where pdf documents can be easily and freely downloaded by anyone working with soils or studying to enter the land-based sector. “We hope the training bursary will help someone working in the land-based sector to develop their career where financial constraints may have previously been a barrier to them moving forward.” The 2022 British Sugar TOPSOIL Training Bursary terms and conditions, eligibility criteria and application form can be accessed by visiting www.bstopsoil.co.uk and clicking on the TOPSOIL Academy tab, where you can also find everything you need to know about soils. E N D S www.bstopsoil.co.uk  Twitter @Topsoil­_BS Images: TOPSOIL Academy logo National TOPSOIL Manager Andy Spetch Screened Landscape20 topsoil in storage barns Further information:  Andy Spetch - 01733 422084 / 07850 3369787andy.spetch@britishsugar.com                                                                         Note to editors:  TOPSOIL British Sugar TOPSOIL is the largest suppliers of quality TOPSOIL in the UK. Our products, SubSoil, Landscape20, HortLoam and Sports&Turf, are successfully used by the construction, landscaping and amenity industries. For further information on British Sugar TOPSOIL go to www.bstopsoil.co.uk British Sugar is the leading supplier of sugar to the British and Irish food and beverage markets.  We operate four advanced manufacturing plants across East Anglia and the East Midlands employing around 1,400 permanent and contract staff directly at our facilities and supporting up to 9,500 UK jobs in the wider economy. Over 3,000 growers supply us with around 8 million tonnes of sugar beet each year, which we process into up to 1.4 million tonnes of sugar. Sugar production is at the heart of our operations but using our highly integrated approach to manufacturing, we aim to transform all of our raw materials into sustainable products. We produce 500,000 tonnes of animal feed from sugar beet pulp. We recycle stones for building, lime for soil conditioning and soil for landscaping. Using our Combined Heat & Power plants, we export enough electricity for over 120,000 homes; we were also the first company to manufacture Bioethanol in the UK. Over the past five years, we have invested over £250 million to improve efficiency and competitiveness; in addition, we invest over £2m every year in research, development and education. For further information visit www.britishsugar.com  or find us on Twitter @BritishSugar ------------------------------------------------------------ # Provender Nurseries supports RHS Young Designer of the Year at RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/provender-nurseries-supports-rhs-young-designer-of-the-year-at-rhs-flower-show-at-tatton-park/ Published: 2021-07-26 Winning a Gold medal, RHS Young Designer of the Year and Best Constructed Show Garden, Freddie Strickland has swept the board at RHS Tatton Show this year with the support of Provender Nurseries for his first ever show garden ‘On Tropic’.  Working closely together, Provender Nurseries supplied many of the main feature and backbone plants for ‘On Tropic’.  The garden is designed to show the impact climate change has on plant choice.  The garden is designed to represent a subtropical garden that would typically be found in Devon and Cornwall.  The plants were selected at Provender Nurseries 18- acre nursery based in Kent and grown on in their growing facility nearby. Freddie’s plant selection included some excellent foliage plants for drama and boldness including main structural plants, Broussonetia papyrifera Golden Shadow, Tetrapanax papyrifera, Astelia, Cyathea cooperii and mounds of Pittosporum tobira Nanum in differing sizes.   Towers of Toona sinensis Flamingo provide height and are shielded by the foliage of the Fargesia in the foreground.  Supporting the foliage selection, a range of flowering Agapanthus, Hemerocallis and Salvia guaranitica Black and Blue provide added interest.  Building the garden is Matt James of Matt James Landscape and Design, a customer of Provender Nurseries who regularly travels from Truro, Cornwall to Kent to select plants for his projects in Devon and Cornwall.   Provender Nurseries are a trade only, wholesale plant and sundries supplier to Kent and the south-east https://www.provendernurseries.co.uk/ Freddie Strickland Gardens http://www.freddiestrickland.com/ Matt James Landscape and Garden Design https://www.mattjamesgardens.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ # Meet the BALI Chalk Fund nominated students of the year Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/meet-the-bali-chalk-fund-nominated-students-of-the-year/ Published: 2021-07-15 The BALI Chalk Fund student of the year competition is a great way to showcase and celebrate the very best in rising talent coming into the industry. This year it’s been a challenge in many ways, but there have still been some great entries, let’s hear from some of those students and their tutors as to why they love what they do and think it’s a great career choice. First up is nominee student Charlotte, and her tutor Danielle from Sparsholt College. So how did you get into horticulture/landscaping? Charlotte: “It all stemmed from work experience I carried out at a local nursery. My brother had worked at the nursery for over 10 years, and it seemed like a good place to start my journey. I’m fascinated by how plants could be cloned just by taking cuttings, plant production is so satisfying. In 2019 I chose to go to Sparsholt College, and I have since completed the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Horticulture. I have learnt an array of skills whilst studying, such as estate skills, paving techniques, plant propagation and working with wood to create different structures such as decking and pergolas”. Danielle: “I started my journey as a student of Sparsholt College in 2004 where I studied the Level 3 National Diploma in Horticulture and then the Foundation Degree in Horticulture. I then became interested in the teaching of Horticulture and having worked at the College in the Horticultural Department for 11 years now, I have never looked back. As a child I was always interested in growing plants and being outdoors and this is something I have now passed on to my children”. Was this career path ever highlighted at school? Charlotte: “I first knew I wanted to take this career path when I completed my work experience in Year 10 at a local nursery. Before I started the work experience, there was not a lot of information on Horticulture from school. I found out about this career path through friends and family. I believe there should be more done to highlight this in schools and give students an insight into Horticulture as a possible future career”. What do you love about this industry? Charlotte: “I love that this industry is outdoors. It means I can feel productive, but without the stressful feeling of being stuck in an office all day. It also greatly benefits my mental health”. Danielle: “The diversity and scope of subjects and work available. The seasonal change within the plants brings an element of surprise to us, and there is always a job to do whatever the weather. I have a great passion for Horticultural Education and for me, being able to see the learners thrive, successfully complete their course and move into employment at the end of the year fills me with pride”. Why do you think people should consider this as a career? Charlotte: “I know for some; academic work can be tricky. I struggled with this in school and always wondered what I could do. Once I found out about the horticulture industry, I realised my dream job was out there.  With Horticulture being a real hands-on practical course, I knew it was for me”. Danielle: “Horticulture is an emerging trend and since the start of the pandemic, outdoor activities, growing plants and becoming self-sufficient is ever more popular. There are many career options from a landscape operative to a plant propagator, the opportunities are endless and certainly not to be missed”. What has been the highlight of your horticulture course? Charlotte: “The highlight of my course over the past two years has been knowing that I have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I have been selected as part of the construction team, and we are currently putting everything together to be ready for September. This has been one of the best experiences I have been involved in so far, and I am really looking forward to the show”. What advantages are there to receiving an education in horticulture and landscaping? Danielle: “You learn valuable skills such as Plant Identification and Science to develop the knowledge of how plants grow and their requirements. The qualifications are also recognised internationally and are transferable if you would like to work overseas. The knowledge, skills, and life experiences you will gain from others is often more valuable than if you were to go straight into work. The additional tickets/certificates of competency that are available will also make you more employable”.    What’s your advice to the next generation coming into the industry? Danielle: “Study hard and complete your qualifications to the best of your ability. Learn the invaluable skills and knowledge from others in the industry and take the opportunities where presented. Organise some work experience within Horticulture before commencing a course, and where possible take up the opportunity of completing additional tickets of competency alongside your qualification/employment. Aim high!”. What are your plans for the next 5 years? Charlotte: “Over the next five years, I would love to take on more landscaping opportunities and find out more about the skills and techniques, so that I can link them to my work. To achieve this, I am hoping to volunteer to help some friends and family with their own gardens, maybe even build up a customer base? At some point in the future, I would like to be successful in running my own horticultural business”. What would be your plans for spending the prize money if you won? Charlotte: “I have decided to put the money towards a new set of tools that I can use both in my own garden and in future jobs”! Danielle: “If successful with the National award nomination, the money would be utilised to invest and update our practical surveying equipment. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping skills: The hard landscape Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-skills-the-hard-landscape/ Published: 2021-07-08 Moving on from our previous blog on plant knowledge and expanding our look at landscaping skills, next we have what is often referred to as hard landscaping, hardscape, or landscape construction. What we are referring to is the ‘hard’ or ‘non-living’ materials in a landscape project, as well as being hard work! This usually consists of surfaces and structures, and could be paving, brickwork, concrete, rock, wood or metal to name but a few materials used. Much like plants, there is a broad range of knowledge and skill that sits behind carrying out and constructing this aspect of landscaping well, from the design through to the final build. Backbone Well thought out and positioned hard landscaping can make or break the project, these elements provide the structure and often a link to a building on the site. It’s often the starting point, to which the soft landscaping (the living, ‘soft’ elements of landscaping) is added, to give the overall final effect. This will also often dictate the style of the garden, be that contemporary, informal, or traditional reflected in the materials used, depending on the clients tastes. Function Hard landscaping is also functional, serving a purpose, it might be a seating area, marking a boundary, pathways, standing for vehicles, retaining something, providing protection in the form of a gazebo, accenting areas, drainage, lighting and linking to the project’s surroundings. But that’s not to say, just because it its functional, it can’t be aesthetically pleasing. A good landscaper and garden designer will have the knowledge to be able to bring function and form together and make the most of the space. Balance Sometimes the project will dictate how much hard landscaping is needed to meet the client’s needs, but a well put together landscape project will balance out the hard and soft landscaping to complement each other, making sure that areas and features are correctly proportioned to be both functional and to fit in with their surroundings. A world of materials Just like plants, there’s a wealth of choice when it comes to choosing the materials to use, professional landscapers will know the advantages and disadvantages to the different landscape materials available, they will keep up to date with new products and installation methods, as well as recommending materials that will work in the space, serve the desired purpose and complement the overall project and its surroundings. The tip of the iceberg The finished hard landscaping as a surface or structure, is only as good as the method by which it has been installed. For example, when laying paving, professional landscapers will consider subbases, and bases, ratio of mixes, gradients, and drainage to make sure the area works and stands the test of time. This applies to all the different elements of hard landscaping, an understanding and ability to correctly construct these areas is an essential part of what a landscaper does. More than a ‘How to’ video These skills are developed through experience and training, professional landscapers pride themselves in the work they do and the projects they complete. Many of them spending years training and honing their craft, so if you want to join the industry and make a career of it, you might want to consider landscaping apprenticeships to gain training and experience or look at landscaping courses in this area of the industry and develop your knowledge of hard landscaping. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Apprenticeships, its all in the detail Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/apprenticeships-its-all-in-the-detail/ Published: 2021-06-18 Continuing our look at industry apprenticeships, we now turn to the world of hard landscaping and hear from Travis, as to why he chose this industry and what he enjoys about it. Who are you and what is your job? My name is Travis, and I have just successfully completed my Level 2 Landscape Operative Apprenticeship. Part of my job is to read and interpret garden designs, and bring them to life, this can be anything from the excavation of ground works through to the installation of hard standing paving, down to the final finishing touches of adding plants along with my colleagues. How did you get into landscaping? I got into landscaping after realising being outdoors was important aspect of my career choice. I approached Riseholme College, and they advised me to apply for a landscape apprenticeship. after being accepted, my interest quickly grew and I developed a passion for all aspects of landscaping, which has only continued to grow over the years. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? I chose an apprenticeship as I am a practical learner, I also liked the idea of learning new skills in a working environment. Were careers in horticulture/landscaping ever promoted at your school? Unfortunately, I don’t remember landscaping being promoted in my school! What do you get up to on an average day in your role? On an average day I can be excavating sites using machinery or hand digging, I could also be laying paving like intricate porcelain or natural stone, installing water features, or laying sleeper retainer walls and much more. All of this is usually for complete garden makeovers or renovation. What do you enjoy about your job? I enjoy being outdoors and learning new skills, job satisfaction is key to being a landscaper, standing back after all your hard work knowing you built this with your colleagues. I enjoy the working friendships you build with your colleagues, having fun alongside work, assisting and helping each other in the workplace, as well as overcoming complicated and challenging jobs as a team. What are the specific skills you have learnt that are unique to this industry? Learning to be able to read and work with different levels is a big skill that I have learnt, it’s the very centre of a good landscape project. Everything else is built on how well you have prepped the job according to levels. Why should people consider a career in horticulture/landscaping? People should consider landscaping because the industry is very diverse, you get to learn loads of different skills in the job. Landscaping is very enjoyable, working in the great outdoors, as well as keeping you keeping physical fit and healthy. ------------------------------------------------------------ # A creative & practical career with an apprenticeship Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/a-creative-practical-career-with-an-apprenticeship/ Published: 2021-06-03 Lets catch up with Alyce and find out why she enjoys her apprenticeship so much. Who are you and what is your job? "I am a Landscape Apprentice currently working for Grosvenor’s Landscape Management team. I’m currently studying a Level 3 Horticulture Supervisor apprenticeship at Capel Manor after completing the Level 2 from 2017.  We manage and maintain private and public green spaces, including public squares and new creations in the public realm, all within areas of prime real estate in central London. Landscape maintenance is a large part of my role, and I am responsible for creating and implementing new designs and planting areas across the estate." How did you get into horticulture? "Being an outdoorsy and a practical person who enjoys learning with a hands-on approach, encouraged me to choose a career outside of an office environment. Starting off as an apprentice has enabled me to spend time amongst nature, and despite the job being physically hard at times, the results are very satisfying. My passion for horticulture developed soon after joining Grosvenor, during this time I realised there are many career opportunities within this industry." Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? "Because of my lack of experience and knowledge about anything garden related, I thought my best option was to start with an apprenticeship. This has encouraged my confidence in the work that I produce, and I have been able to see my practical and theory knowledge and experience improve over the years." Were careers in horticulture/landscaping ever promoted at your school? "I attended several different primary and secondary schools due to relocating many times, I can clearly say that the only school that promoted horticulture was my primary school in Cornwall. On reflection, I realise how much that school contributed to my love of nature and the outdoors. For my BTEC I studied Animal Management and Environmental Science at University (for a year). These courses also contained units for horticulture, which were not present in any of my secondary schools in London." What do you get up to on an average day in your role? "The average day on the Grosvenor estate takes into consideration the safety of the residents that use the gardens. The daily tasks are organised into a weekly schedule, which help us keep up to date and organised. The jobs depend on the weather and the seasons, for example, in winter, gardening can be extremely hard due to cold conditions, but in essence your tasks are working towards preparing the areas for the spring. In spring and summer, it is all systems go with general garden maintenance, planting and nurturing new and established plants. Watering is one of the most challenging jobs, with temperatures sometimes reaching high 30’s at the height of summer. Leaf clearance takes priority in the autumn months, with there being so many trees on our estates (Over 900), especially Platanus × hispanica (London plane). We recycle 100% of our green waste weighing in at the equivalent of 6 double decker buses a year! London’s microclimates lead to plants flourishing earlier, so our team will use their experience as opposed to books when it comes to understanding the plants and their environment." What do you enjoy about your job? "The most enjoyable part of my job is having the freedom and opportunity to create newly designed aspects to our gardens. Taking ownership of those designs and seeing others enjoy what you have created is a great feeling. This part of my job also helps me improve my plant knowledge, learning new plant names in addition to their requirements. when implementing design’s, biodiversity is key, I base my plant pallet choice around nectar rich plants, taking inspiration from people like Piet Oudolf and Beth Chatto. I have been fortunate to work for a company like Grosvenor, as I have been afforded the opportunity to grow my passion by attending events and meeting many professionals within the industry. The company I have also supported me undertaking various courses to expand my gardening skills.  Lastly, being able to enjoy going to events like the Chelsea flower show, Hampton court and the seminars provided by London Gardens Network has all added to the enjoyment of my job." What are the specific skills you have learnt that are unique to this industry? "One of the main skills I have learnt is how to plan efficiently and be organised to achieve the best result. I have had many opportunities to problem solve, I have been able to adapt in many ways. I enjoy creating new and innovative ways of working to support me in my job.   Additionally, learning how to work well in a great team, made up of many different personalities and backgrounds, this has increased my ability to communicate effectively as a supervisor, this is essential when directing a team to achieve the best outcomes.  I have developed as a team leader on projects, which includes leading on maintenance tasks, or understanding the departments vision and design for our gardens and how we might achieve this. Acquiring these skills provides so many advantages to help you progress in your career and personal development." Why should people consider a career in horticulture/landscaping? "A career in Horticulture and Landscape management opens doors in many different areas, allowing you to use your skills as a professional in locations across the world. Although challenging at times, it is a rewarding career, and you will look at nature in a new and inspirational way." ------------------------------------------------------------ # Level three, free for all By Stephen Ensell Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/level-three-free-for-all/ Published: 2021-05-24 Towards the end of last year, the government announced plans to offer the opportunity for any adult, aged 19 and over, to achieve their first full level 3 qualification, which is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate, diploma, or A levels, through the National Skills Fund, as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee. The main aim behind the funding scheme is to help, gain qualifications that are needed and valued by employers improve job prospects progress in work earn a good wage The scheme was officially launched in April and presents an opportunity for landscape and horticulture companies to allow their employees (or themselves) to gain a level 3 qualification, and potentially fill any skills gaps you may have. So, how does it work? To be eligible to access the free training, candidates must be over 24 (19 to 23 year olds will continue to be eligible for their first full level 3 via the adult education budget,) and not have already done a level 3 qualification previously. What’s qualifications are on offer? The great news is that there are several courses on the list which relate to our industry, under landscaping and horticulture, as well as environmental conservation, forestry, building and construction, business management, and digital. The one we are most excited to see is the Gateway Qualifications Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Landscape Construction. This was the landscaping course we supported BALI members, Capel Manor college in creating, and was based on a previous skills survey that BALI conducted with its members. Capel Manor college are offering it as a part time certificate, one day a week over a year. Reaseheath college are also offering the course as a part time option. The other courses that may be of interest are: City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Horticulture City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Horticulture Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Horticulture Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/Certificate in Horticulture Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Horticulture There are also a number of generic Team leader, leadership and management qualifications that come under the funding as well. So have a look at your local training provider and see what they have to offer and get in touch. Things to consider While the courses are free, you need to be able to manage time commitments, in either allowing employees time to attend the courses and any potential assignment or project work they need to do to successfully pass the course. Make sure you check to see how the courses are run, are they full time or part time? Also, do they offer remote learning or flexible hours? Look at the course content and to see if it covers the areas you want to upskill in. So, make sure you do your research to understand how the course you are interested in works. PC Geralt ------------------------------------------------------------ # Learn and earn with a horticulture apprenticeship Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/learn-and-earn-with-a-horticulture-apprenticeship/ Published: 2021-05-07 Apprenticeships are a great way to earn and learn at the same time and there are plenty of apprenticeship opportunities in horticulture and landscaping. But don’t take our word for it, Ann tells us why she enjoys her Level 3 Apprenticeship. Who are you and what is your job? “I am a Level 3 Supervisor Apprentice, working for the City of London City Gardens, currently studying for my Apprenticeship at Capel Manor college”. How did you get into horticulture? “I left school and studied fashion and design, going on to study costume for theatre and film. I then went on to pursue a career as a theatrical costumier, making costumes for West End shows like Wicked, Thriller and Phantom of the opera. After 9 years in the fashion and costume industry, mostly working indoors, I decided I wanted a change and to try something new, so I started looking into different career possibilities. Not knowing where to start, I focused on what I enjoyed, which was being outdoors, involved with nature and wildlife, as I have had an interest in gardens for as long as I can remember. My parents took me to gardens and flower shows from a young age, but I never considered a career in horticulture. With a little research, and an intertest in working with trees and plants, and I decided I wanted to venture into a career in horticulture. This has given me opportunity to utilise my meticulous attention to detail, and friendly and professional manner, and I still continue to work with colour, texture and design, but with plants as my medium instead of fabric”. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? “Going back to college or university was not an option, as I needed to earn money to pay my bills. An apprenticeship enabled me to earn as I studied, however, I didn’t think an apprenticeship was an option for me because I was no longer in the age bracket of 16-24. The term apprentice to me referred to a younger person embarking upon on-the-job training, the reality is very different, apprenticeships span from entry level to management and are available for any age. Apprenticeships have evolved considerably over the last few years with the course content becoming more in-depth and challenging. You are able to get hands-on practical experience in a real job role, learning the right skills in the right environment. This was important to me, as I felt I needed to get a feel for the industry, not just the subject in a classroom environment. I applied for the apprenticeship at City Gardens, and successfully completed my Level 2 Landscape Operative. There was an opportunity for me to continue working in City Gardens, and gain my Level 3 Supervisor qualification, which I am currently working towards”. Were careers in horticulture/landscaping ever promoted at your school? “A career in horticulture was never mentioned to me when I was younger. During my time at school, basic plant biology was only touched on briefly within science lessons, but horticulture was never mentioned or even suggested in careers advice sessions. It was not until I stumbled across it many years after leaving school that I became aware of it as a potential job. Sadly, the same is true of many young people today, there seems to be a lack of imagination when it comes to careers advice for young people, and horticulture tends to be a last resort, pointed out only to those who have failed academically. It’s a common assumption that gardening and horticulture is a job for people who aren't qualified for anything else, but this couldn't be further from the truth. It's a highly skilled profession and most of the people in the industry have a string of qualifications to their name. You may think gardening and horticulture is a profession mainly for young men who climb trees with chain saws. Or maybe you think its too late for a career in horticulture for you, or that it isn’t for people like you, this is not the case, there are a wide variety of opportunities within horticulture. You can work as a Garden Designer or a Professional Gardener. And you could work in a Retail Plant Nursery or Garden Centre, manage or work in a historic garden or a big garden. You could be a Landscaper, or go into plant science, forestry, park keeping and more”. What do you get up to on an average day in your role? “There is no such thing as an average day within my job, most of the time I am outside, which I really love. I always wanted a job where I could get out and about. The City Gardens team, which I am part of, are responsible for green space management of around 170 sites within the square mile, which includes gardens, churchyards, planters, and street trees. A lot of our work involves general maintenance of the sites, such as weeding gardens, keeping green spaces and walkways clear of debris and litter, providing plants with appropriate seasonal care, cutting hedges and lawns, looking after herbaceous flower borders, preparation, and planting of our seasonal bedding displays. We are also involved with different project work throughout the city such as planting street trees and the redevelopment of different areas.  In my current role, I supervise four Level 2 Apprentices, so my daily role involves supporting them with their studies, providing encouragement, feedback, and suggestions for development. I am involved with their training needs which includes machinery, as well as organising and overseeing appraisals and onsite practical assessments”. What do you enjoy about your job? “One of the things I enjoy about my job is working within a great team, when I first started as a Level 2, I was new to horticulture with no experience, I doubted my abilities and questioned myself throughout my two-year apprenticeship. The team I was working with really supported me, and I was able to learn many skills that will help me in the industry. I have found the people in this industry to be welcoming, helpful, and eager to pass on their knowledge. I absolutely love seeing the plants change throughout the seasons, I love learning about plants, and I am constantly learning new plants, although I find the Latin scientific names challenging, its enjoyable being able to recognise plants when I am out and about, and I can reflect and increase my knowledge and understanding all the time. The other aspect I enjoy is the critical thinking and problem solving, which keeps me busy”. What are the specific skills you have learnt that are unique to this industry? “I have discovered there are many skills you gain when going into horticulture, each sector has various specialised technical skills. However, the one thing I have learnt from my tutor, is that they are all underpinned by basic horticultural science, including soil and water management, plant nutrition, pests and disease management, and plant knowledge. You can start with a basic understanding of these subjects or delve into them in more depth, but at the end of the day having even a basic understanding, will make daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. There are of course lots of practical skills that are unique, for example the different pieces of horticulture machinery”. Why should people consider a career in horticulture/landscaping? “Horticulture is a worthwhile, important career, and provides a salary that is sustainable but has a wide variety of sectors to suit every character. The horticultural sector is extremely diverse, and it is also one of the largest UK employers. When you research horticultural careers a little further, you'll find work can range from Professional Gardening to specialist scientific roles. There are lots of opportunities to consider, with many different routes into horticulture, that are suitable for people from all academic backgrounds. Many can enter the industry via an apprenticeship scheme like me, or undertake other relevant vocational qualifications in horticulture, and some people can even take degrees in subjects like environmental science, earth science or botanical sciences, before breaking into this industry. I would definitely recommend the apprentice route; it is a fantastic learning experience”. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping skills: Plant knowledge Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscaping-skills-plant-knowledge/ Published: 2021-03-31 In my previous blog, the Top five landscaping skills, we looked very generally at the skills landscapers have, and look for in their teams and the future employees they are recruiting. On the back of that I wanted to explore in more detail, some of the specific knowledge and skills that many landscapers have, which make them true professionals in the industry. A landscape project brings many elements together to form the completed space, over the next few blogs we will consider some of these aspects in turn, to demonstrate the broad range of skills they have. Let us begin by looking at plants. This could easily be a specialism on its own, which many landscapers and professional gardeners focus on. What really makes this a unique skill is that you are dealing with living products, that each have specific needs and requirements. Choice….so much choice! Royal Botanic Gardens Kew estimated there to be nearly 391, 000 known plants in the world, thankfully we don’t have to know them all! But BALI members value the importance of plant knowledge in their staff, with 84% citing it as essential or important, and 42% of employers expecting their employees to 'be able to identify between 100-300 plants. A reputable landscaper will have developed their plant knowledge through training and experience, to be able to advise and choose the most appropriate plants for the project they are working on. This is influenced by several factors, the size of the space they are developing, because plants grow, the soil they are working with (what type it is and the condition it is in) and the aspect of the project (which way it faces, prevailing wind, weather as well as light levels). All of this impacts the choice for which plants are chosen as they will all have preferences. What, when, how? Once the area has been evaluated, the fun part begins with the plants themselves and what they do. Landscapers will consider plant types, this could be trees, shrubs, perennials etc often as a mixture. What often directly influences which plants are chosen is their seasons of interest, like what time of year it flowers, produces berries or has the most colourful leaves. Overall plant dimensions are essential to make sure the chosen plants will fit into the size of the landscape project. This is all done to make sure that the client has an interesting range of plants that complement each other and provide interest at key points throughout the year. Room to grow Once the appropriate plants have been selected, checked to be healthy, they will then be brought to site ready to be planted. Landscapers will carefully position the plants ready to be planted, making sure that growth rates and dimensions are considered, ensuring they have space to grow and develop in the future. If they are creating a mixed border, then along with colours and season of interest, heights are also considered to make sure that all the plants can viewed and appreciated. Successfully planting So, the most appropriate plants may have been chosen and correctly placed out, but now comes what may well be the most important aspect of the job, to correctly plant out the plants to ensure they grow in their new environment. 56% of BALI members stated that they considered ‘good planting skills’ as essential to their business. Even if you have chosen the most appropriate plant for the situation, if it’s not planted correctly, you limit its chances of establishing itself and growing. It doesn’t stop here The planting is complete, the new space looks spectacular, but it doesn’t end here, remember those that plants are living, they aren’t going to sit still, and we want them to grow. Because they are living, like us they can experience health problems and need food and water. When landscapers provide aftercare, they bring with them a knowledge of how to deal with potential pests and diseases, feeding and watering (especially in the first year after planting) regimes, as well as when and how to prune each of the plants. Anyone looking for a career in the landscape industry will almost certainly be dealing with plants in some form or another, even cutting grass! And it’s certainly one area that you never stop learning in. If you are considering training and education, again, most courses will be looking at plants and it’s a skill that landscapers are certainly looking for. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Green-tech raises the bar by offering Degree Apprenticeships Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/green-tech-raises-the-bar-by-offering-degree-apprenticeships/ Published: 2021-03-24 The landscape industry offers an incredible choice of career opportunities, but we often only think of the roles available in terms of the design, build and maintenance of green spaces and gardens. But remember, there are many businesses that support and supply the materials that are used to create these spaces, and they have their own career opportunities and are always looking not only for future employees, but also progress their current employees. Green-tech is providing its employees with the opportunity to study for a higher education qualification whilst continuing to work, by offering Degree Apprenticeships. Designed in partnership with employers; higher and degree apprenticeships offer a higher education qualification, work experience and industry-relevant skills to create graduate calibre individuals within an organisation. Leeds Trinity University will be running the Degree Apprenticeships for Green-tech. Green-tech has long since invested in sourcing, developing, and retaining ‘talent’. In 2017 they embraced the Government’s Apprenticeship scheme which saw them take on several apprentices.  It was a huge success with a 75% retention rate and the company continues to take on apprentices directly from school or college. Their latest being a Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Apprentice. Three of Green-tech’s team across the marketing, IT and purchasing departments have enrolled in the Degree Apprenticeship courses. Kate Farrer, Marketing Executive has recently started a Digital Marketing Degree, George Shepherd a software engineering degree and Sarah Whitley a Supply Chain degree. George started with the company as a customer service apprentice. After successful completion he progressed to the online and marketing department and has recently been promoted to IT Systems Automation Lead.  This role sees him operating as a support link between the commercial and IT departments, working with their CRM system, SAP Business One. George has been encouraged to advance further and is being supported to undertake a three-year software engineering degree. George comments, “Enrolling for a degree apprenticeship supported by Green-tech will give me the opportunity to progress personally and professionally which will help me to achieve my goals for later life.  I will be working my full-time job which will really help with my apprenticeship, I’ll be developing my knowledge, gaining a degree qualification and getting paid. It’s a win-win for me.” Sarah Whitley is Green-tech’s buyer. She forecasts and buys the thousands of product lines Green-tech sell. She also looks after all pricing enquiries for non-stock items. Sarah is undertaking a BSc (Hons) Professional Practice in Supply Chain Leadership which will take her 3.5 years to complete. Sarah adds, “Throughout my employment, I have always made it clear that I’ve wanted to progress professionally, and Green-tech has always been receptive to that. During the four years I’ve worked here, I’ve been promoted three times, each time gaining more responsibility. Studying for a work-based degree will aid me in becoming better in my current role so that I can better support the Green-tech team and it will also give me a professional/academic qualification that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.” The apprentices will gain a ‘debt-free’ University Degree; there will be no costs or tuition fees to fund themselves, and they will study part time at Leeds Trinity University to build on their workplace experience. Rachel Kay, Green-tech’s Managing Director concludes, “It’s important for our business that we invest in our people and encourage them to have a worthwhile and meaningful career, especially the younger generation just entering the landscaping industry. Our commitment to career development is appreciated by our people and one of the reasons our staff retention rates are high.” ------------------------------------------------------------ # Apprentices, essential to the landscape industry Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/apprentices-essential-to-the-landscape-industry/ Published: 2021-02-10 Meet George, L2 Horticulture Operative apprentice with Acre Landscapes, studying at Plumpton college. George chose to get into landscaping because he enjoys being outdoors and loves the fact that every day is different. He likes being part of a supportive team that he can learn from and feels a real sense of achievement when he looks back over the days work and knows he contributed to bringing the landscape to life. Acre landscapes recognises the importance of an apprentice, citing that often, most successful people in the landscape industry began their careers at college, in part or fulltime education, and that the modern apprenticeships provide training and experience, making them essential to our industry. As a business they want to employ as many school leavers as possible who enjoy the outdoors, pay them properly and fully and encourage their academic learning. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Ground Control goes the extra mile with their apprentices Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/ground-control-goes-the-extra-mile-with-their-apprentices/ Published: 2021-02-09 BALI members, Ground Control, the UK’s leading supplier of award-winning landscaping and maintenance services, is proud to announce its involvement in an industry-first scheme to help support apprentices with learning difficulties. Ground Control staff have already successfully supported, mentored and now employed the first graduate of the program, 20-year-old Wayne Gorman. Following close on his heels are two more pupils from The Westminster School – 19-year-old Jordan Brown has completed his supported internship and is transitioning to his grounds maintenance apprenticeship scheme while Kenny Hanney’s career has begun via the internship program. Under the scheme, Ground Control provides practical help and advice to participants throughout their apprenticeship as well as co-ordinating with their school, training college and educational bodies to help adjust aspects of their training to ensure it is accessible and inclusive for people with learning difficulties. It’s proving a hit with students, with The Westminster School identifying and supporting five more pupils who will move into the program over the next 12 months. Eventually, graduates will become their own bosses and work for themselves – as part of a qualified field team – and be given the appropriate level of support to enable them to work on suitable maintenance contracts on behalf of Ground Control. “We’ve worked closely with teachers and regulatory authorities to make the training courses more accessible and flexible for people with learning difficulties”, said Roy Candlin, Contracts Manager at Ground Control. “A key to this has been the removal of barriers such as the requirement for five GCSEs that were preventing a lot of people like Wayne, Jordan and Kenny from achieving their potential.” “No other apprenticeship program in the country compares to this,” said Oliver Flowers, head teacher at The Westminster School. “It’s a beacon of best practice as it gives our young people an opportunity to develop a career and gain real independence.” “Ground Control’s commitment highlights what can be achieved through partnerships with private sector companies – and the gains aren’t limited purely to the grounds maintenance sector. I encourage other industries to think about the benefits they can enjoy from involvement in a professionally run apprenticeship scheme.” ------------------------------------------------------------ # Meet the BALI Chalk Fund Student of the Year and his tutor Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/meet-the-bali-chalk-fund-student-of-the-year-and-his-tutor/ Published: 2020-12-01 The BALI Chalk Fund Student of the Year competition is a wonderful way of celebrating the up and coming talent that are training to join our industry. This year, Pershore student, Josh Reid fought off stiff competition to claim overall student of the year. The BALI Chalk Fund runs the competition every year, BALI Member Colleges are invited to nominate the student that in their opinion, has performed above all others in their year, and that they believe will make a positive impact on the industry in the years to come. I caught up with Josh and his tutor Clive Evans, to find out how they came across the landscape industry, what they value about education and why they love what they do. So, how did you get into landscaping? Josh: ‘Originally, I stumbled across the industry, it began more as of a hobby/therapeutic activity for me, until I began my horticulture studies at Pershore College.  I found the industry to be vaster than I previously imagined. From there I began thinking about a career path into the landscape sector, as this is the area I love’. Clive: ‘I used to dig my grandfather's veg patch and helped him grow cut flowers. I went to the careers office and told them I wanted to look after roses, and they gave me a prospectus for the Welsh College of Horticulture. What do you love about this industry? Josh: ‘The thing that I enjoy the most, is changing a disused/un-loved area and developing something brand new and exciting in its place. I get such a satisfying feeling when I create something out of nothing’. Clive: ‘I love the finishing touches, the last plant to be planted or last sod of turf to be laid. I like to see students complete show gardens and see the pride on their faces at what they have achieved. I also like to watch students compete in landscaping competitions, knowing that I have supported them achieving it'. Why do you think people should consider this as a career? Josh: ‘Don’t judge it before you try it. The landscape industry can be much more than labouring, you can build a very successful and impressive career opportunities. But like all things, you need to put in the time and commitment. Landscaping has so many different elements to it, there’s design, the environmental impact, and the ecology aspect. If you are concerned about the global warming, you can help to build and design a more sustainable world, through the landscape sector. You just have to be determined and committed’. Clive: ‘It's so vast, full of wonderful characters and has some great opportunities. The new Agir- tech department at Pershore is full of fresh ideas and staff. There are always new skills and knowledge to learn and develop’. What has been the highlight of your level 3 horticulture course Josh? Josh: ‘Getting this far with it, and getting the results I did (Distinction, Merit, Merit) is a huge accomplishment. All my hard work to date has clearly shown, or I wouldn’t be in the running for this award. I’ve been involved in other competitions, like ‘Young Gardener of the year award 2018’ (winning gold) and the WorldSkills competition in 2018 & 2019.  My enthusiasm for horticulture and landscaping has given me the motivation to succeed academically, despite having several learning disabilities, I have never let my disabilities become an obstacle or let them write my future. I always persevere through every challenge. I consider myself a "trailblazer" for people with disabilities, showing them they can move past barriers that might prevent us from reaching our goals and aspirations’. Clive, what advantages does it have to receive an education in horticulture and landscaping? Clive: ‘Training can give people so much confidence and above all, gives employees commercial speed. Practical landscape skills are so useful as they give a platform for someone to work on their own garden or develop a career in landscaping’. What’s your advice to tomorrows landscapers Clive? Clive: ‘Get as much training as possible. Try and get different types of work experience and work with the best people. Be passionate, intense, and willing to learn. Be willing to bounce back and have a ‘can do’ attitude when things aren’t going well and promote the industry to others’. What are your plans for the next 5 years Josh? Josh: ‘I hope that by then I will have graduated from Uni at (BCU) studying my bachelor’s in landscape architecture. Then I plan to go traveling for a year, see new and breath-taking landscapes and experience different cultures, to get that clear perspective when I design/build communal areas. I hope to start building my career as a landscape architect and progressing in my line of work. But it doesn’t stop there, I then plan to go back to Uni and complete my master’s in landscape architecture’. What are the plans for spending the prize money? Josh: ‘I’m going to spend it on new equipment for Uni and the rest to save for my traveling goals’. Clive: ‘The College will spend it on materials and equipment for the students to use’. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Commercial nursery grows the rising stars of the future Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/commercial-nursery-grows-the-rising-stars-of-the-future/ Published: 2020-10-23 Johnsons of Whixley, one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries, has announced the latest crop of delegates to join its Growing Stars leadership programme. The business, that celebrates its centenary next year, first launched the Growing Stars programme five years ago. The aim is to develop the skillset of existing staff members, enabling them to one day take on a more senior role within the business. The company has made a significant financial investment in the programme to ensure its success. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Preparing for a landscape job Interview by Stephen Ensell Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/preparing-for-a-landscape-job-interview-by-stephen-ensell/ Published: 2020-10-16 Getting the call that you have been shortlisted for the landscape job and they want an interview brings two emotions, excitement that you have got this far, and the onset of nerves that you got this far! But remember, you beat most of the competition and they liked your CV. but, you are only half way there, now you have to prove what you said on your CV and convince them in person you are the best person for the position! To make the most of this opportunity and make an impression, preparation is key. Interview style The company will send through the details regarding the interview, if you have applied for a ‘hands on’ position, then don’t be surprised if they want you to undertake a practical landscaping exercise of some sort, so prepare and dress accordingly. A face to face interview is still very common, usually taking place at the employer’s premises, where they can chat and question you on your suitability for the position. Interviews can last anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours, but do not rule out other interview methods like telephone or video interviews. Do your homework Show you have taken the time to look at their business and try to understand what they do, the areas of landscaping they may specialise in, the type of projects they have carried out. You will be able to demonstrate this by demonstrating this into the answers you give to questions. Many companies put their staff on their website, have a look at who you might be working with and positively comment on this. Companies promote their values and the culture of their landscape company (especially on social media and if they have a blog), see what you think of this, it will all help you form a picture of the company and some questions to ask them. Its all in the detail The job description is the single biggest aid in your preparation, this is what you will be doing and what the company are looking for, and what the interview will be based on. You should know it inside out and be able to line yourself up and demonstrate how you fulfil what they are looking for. This will also give you a good idea of the questions they will ask you. Remember, in some ways this vacancy is a problem for the company, it is a gap that needs filling, and you are the solution! Questions Whilst the interview is a great opportunity to sell yourself, remember this is a two-way process. It’s not just about them asking you questions, its also about you asking questions back, so make sure you have a few prepared, it shows you are inquisitive and are taking an interest in the company. If you are a career changer, you will be asked why you are you want to join the landscape industry, so explain what has drawn you to this industry and highlight your transferable skills. The big day When the big day arrives, remember the key is to make a good first impression, so make sure you consider the following. Dress appropriately, smartly for a formal interview and appropriately for a practical interview (remember, safety boots and gloves if you have them) Make sure you arrive on time, better yet get there 10-15 minutes before, so know where you are going, even try a practice run to get to the premises a day or two before. Body language is important, and you may need to practice this, but greet them with a smile and firm handshake and look them in the eye, avoid folding you arms and fidgeting and just like you grandmother says, sit up straight and don’t slouch Listen to the questions being asked and answer them concisely, with examples of your own skills, if you don’t know, say you don’t know, it’s better to be honest. And don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand the question Avoid interrupting or cutting off the interviewer at all costs, you’ll be keen to tell them how great you are, but let them finish And finally…. Follow-up with a thank you and a reiteration of how interested you are in the role. Hopefully they liked you (and you liked them) and you get a job offer. Look through the offer, start dates, and if you are happy, confirm in writing that you accept. If you don’t get offered the job, try to be positive, Interviews are wonderful ------------------------------------------------------------ # BALI student wins two awards at Belvoir Castle Flower & Garden Show Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/bali-student-wins-two-awards-at-belvoir-castle-flower-garden-show/ Published: 2020-09-23 Pollinators, Habitat and Cut Flowers. That was the aim of ‘The Feast Garden’ Designed by Amber Hine of Hine Garden Design LTD for the Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden Show 2020, the only garden show so far this year which has contained show gardens. Winning two awards in her first show, Best in Show and Professionals Choice, it is a show garden border bursting with plant choices and design features to inspire. The garden, remaining true to its name, was designed to provide a feast of wildlife forage, from pollen and nectar, nesting material, water and even an enticing habitat. In addition, it provides a plethora of cutting material allowing the garden to be enjoyed from the comfort of a roaring fire whilst sheltering from those cooling Autumn days. The central log wall in the border was built not only to benefit wildlife and provide an opportunity for shade planting, but also to reflect the Historic site of Belvoir Castle, a stately home in the English county of Leicestershire that overlooks the Vale of Belvoir. The wall is comprised with logs reflecting the traditional use and sustainable process of coppicing and forestry management still practised on the estate today. The wall also serves to provide a beautiful backdrop to the movement of grasses and taller flowering stems, allowing for them to be fully appreciated. The planting in the garden is a rich mixture of tonal grasses allowing for both texture in a vase and nesting material for wildlife. Herbaceous perennials and annual plants provide successive blooms for cutting and food for pollinators. The garden show, originally set to be in July, was moved to September due to issues surrounding Covid-19. However, this allowed for the use of some beautiful autumn tones in the planting that are not usually on display in the traditional show season. The stunning orange and lime tones of the grass Anemanthele lessoniana became a backdrop to the striking purple spires of Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ whilst melding with the rich hues of the aptly named Helenium autumnale ‘Short and Sassy’. Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Emily Mckenzie' brings a fire to the planting and in the low autumn light glows as if ablaze amongst the flower heads of Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'. The young fronds of the fern Dryopteris erythrosora provide shelter, reduce evaporation increasing humidity for wildlife whilst also offering cutting material to provide intricate foliage for floral arrangements. They are a bronzy dream melding into the timber and offset against its older green foliage, in turn this is mirrored in a similar characteristic of the Euphorbia × martinii with the fringes of reds on its new foliage. Verbena, Gaura, Fennel and the tall stems of Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Transparent' waft together above the lower planting casting playful shadows on the wall and drawing the eye to the Belvoir Castle setting. Amber Hine commenting on the inspiration behind her design said: “The change in date for the show presented a real opportunity to include some rich delicious Autumn tones and with the show being set in the glorious and beautiful Belvoir Estate I had to reflect and celebrate some of that location in the design, which is where the use of a log wall came in.” Hine added: “The many different flower shapes and successive blooms in this design will encourage a wide range of wildlife to visit. Bringing flower stems into your home is an opportunity to do some early dead-heading allowing you to enjoy a beautiful flower arrangement, but also encouraging further blooms in the garden. It’s a win win.” The garden was awarded ‘The Duchess of Rutland’s Show Garden Award’ for best in show as judged and presented by RHS judges Rosy Hardy and Martin Fish, and the ‘Professionals Choice Award’ chosen and awarded by David Domoney on Sunday 6thth September 2020. ENDS Editor’s notes: Plant List Agastache 'Blue Boa' Anemanthele lessoniana Astrantia major ‘Shaggy’ Calendula officinalis ‘Strawberry Blonde’ Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity' Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora 'Emily Mckenzie' Dryopteris erythrosora Euphorbia × martinii Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum' Gaura lindheimeri ‘The Bride’ Helenium autumnale 'Short and Sassy' Origanum vulgare Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Transparent' Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Edith Dudszus' Rudbeckia hirta 'Sahara' Salvia ‘Love And Wishes’ Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna Pink' Tricyrtis formosana Tricyrtis formosana ‘Purple Beauty’ Verbena bonariensis About the designer. Amber is a Garden Designer based in Bedfordshire working for her own studio Hine Garden Design Ltd creating gardens across the UK. Amber has a keen interest and passion for wildlife and conservation, and gives talks on the subject of wildlife in the garden amongst others. Formally of the theatre industry Amber brings drama, innovation and a keen design eye to all her work. All the images provided are provided by and are copywrite of Amber Hine of Hine Garden Design LTD. They are for use with credits and approval. Further images, formats and sizes are available upon request. Show Details Original Date: 18-19th July 2020 Actual Date: 5-6th September 2020 ------------------------------------------------------------ # The CV, still alive and kicking Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/the-cv-still-alive-and-kicking/ Published: 2020-09-02 “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison A CV (Curriculum Vitae), or résumé, is still the most popular way of applying for a job or approaching an employer. Even if you are applying through an online application process, your CV will still be the basis for your application. Many landscape companies are still quite traditional when it comes to recruitment and value a well put together and relevant CV. To produce a CV that stands a chance of getting you an interview, takes work and effort. I have seen a fair few which are far from fit for purpose and would go straight in the ‘No’ pile. The value of a good CV Why is a CV so important? Well, it is more than likely the first thing an employer will see and use to gauge whether they are interested in you. Consequently, it will either improve your chances of getting an interview, or not, so it is important you spend the time getting it right. Having said that, make sure your social media fairly represents you, as potential employers will also check this. Time is of the essence Employers could well receive dozens of applications and CV’s, so they may not have time to read everyone they receive in great detail, it therefore needs to stand out by being relevant, accurate, concise, and covering no more than two or three pages. The reader should be able to gain a clear idea of your skills, experiences and therefore potential in joining the landscape company. This should be demonstrated early in the CV, which should make sure you go on the ‘Maybe’ or more importantly, the ‘Yes’ pile. Accomplish this by also using headings, short sentences, and bullets points to get everything across at a glance. Be specific Your CV should be tailored to the job you are applying for, a blanket email sent out to lots of adverts and companies will not magically fit every job, they easy to spot and may well be disregarded. Why should a company spend any time on your CV, when you clearly have not spent the time applying specifically for their job! So, look at the job description and the skills the landscape company are asking for and match them up to your skills. Remember experience is not the only thing companies are looking for, so make sure you highlight your relevant transferable skills. Also, research the company, look at their website, social media, they will appreciate the extra effort. The whole truth and nothing but the truth While a CV is all about selling yourself, you have to be truthful, don’t lie or exaggerate what you have done and can do, because they’ll find this out either at the interview, when you can’t answer related questions, or if you start the job and blatantly can’t do what you claimed you could. Instead this is an opportunity to tell them about what you are good at. The layout This is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects. Its needs to look professional and showcase who you are. I would always start with: your personal details (name, address and contact details). Make sure your email address sounds professional personal statement, a paragraph summary of who you are, your skills and experience and why you would be the best person for the job. This is perhaps the most important part of the CV, as it will determine if the reader wants to look further into your CV, so make it personal, short, and snappy key skills that line up with the skills in the job description and others you feel may also be of value to the company. Write and describe these skills and how you have demonstrated them in previous work, using the key words in the job description work history in reverse chronological order, the most recent first, covering what your position was, relevant responsibilities and include dates, year and month start and end education and qualifications, in reverse chronological order (if you have just left school you may want to put this section before work history) references, you can often say these will be available on request Wording Key phrases are often what employers and recruitment companies are looking for, so make the most of active verbs where you ‘created’, ‘analysed’ and devised’. Avoid over generic phrases like ‘good communicator’ or ‘team player’ unless you back them up with specific and relevant examples of why you are those things. Check…recheck Read it through several times, make sure it flows, covers everything, that you keep it professional, no typos, grammatically error free and focused. Better yet, get someone else to check it through to check for mistakes you might have missed. Then get it sent off and wait for the phone call! In our next blog we will look at to prepare for an interview. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscape and horticulture apprenticeships explained, by Stephen Ensell Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/landscape-and-horticulture-apprenticeships-explained-by-stephen-ensell/ Published: 2020-08-05 “Always two there are, no more no less. A master and an apprentice” - Yoda In our last blog on education, I promised we would have a closer look at apprenticeships. Apprenticeships have been around since the mid 1500’s and while they saw a decline through the 90’s with the rise of post-16 education, they certainly are not like they used to be, perceived as being purely for the ‘blue collar’ workers and the nonacademic. The new apprenticeship standards for landscaping and horticulture will certainly put you through your paces, they are industry approved, gaining you a nationally recognised apprenticeship and its qualifications on successful completion. Earn and learn First and foremost, it’s a real job. You will attend a place of work with the rest of the employees in the company and be expected to carry out a role with support. You’ll receive all the employee benefits, like paid annual leave and contributions to a pension, you will receive a salary, with most landscape companies paying above the minimum wage for an apprentice. The main difference between you and the other employees, is that you will receive 20% (around a day a week) off the job training, which includes learning the theory and being assessed over the apprenticeship period. Experience One of the biggest differences in choosing an apprenticeship over other education routes, is that most other courses are mainly theory based, apprenticeships are more experience based. This is very attractive for landscape employers who find it a challenge with new employees that have no work experience. Employers are looking for specific landscape and horticulture skills as well as workplace experience, which apprenticeships can provide. The other great thing is that these are all skills and experience you can add to your CV. Industry skills Depending on which route you and your employer choose, landscaping or horticulture, you will then focus on the skills in those areas. In landscaping, you will learn how to install various hard-landscape construction features and structures e.g. paths, patios, fences and walls. It also includes how to assess and repair hard structures, evaluate hazards and damage and if appropriate carry out repairs or produce a report. When you are ready (usually between 12 and 18 months into the apprenticeship), you will be put forward for the End Point Assessment (EPA), on successful completion you will have passed your apprenticeship. Relevant qualifications Because the new apprenticeship standards have been developed in conjunction with employers, this has created a set of standards that the industry wants and needs. The skills you will be learning and developing are up-to-date and industry relevant and what’s more, there are apprenticeships from level 2 (GCSE) standard to level 5 (foundation degree, HND coming soon), so you can start at a level that suits you. Within the horticulture and landscaping apprenticeship you will also undertake an emergency first aid at work and Safe Use of Pesticides qualification at the level you are studying. Progression You are starting your career straight away, meaning there will be opportunities to progress within the company. If you start with the level 2 Landscape/horticulture operative and successfully complete this, you could then do the level 3 Landscape/horticulture supervisor and move into a supervisory role. And it doesn’t stop here, our Trailblazers group is putting the finishing touches to the level 5 Landscape/horticulture technical manger apprenticeship, meaning there will be further progression opportunities into management. No debt Most education paths will generate debt in some form, the first year at university can set you back as much as £9000 in fees. The great thing about an apprenticeship is that it won’t cost you a penny as its mainly funded by the government. Remember you are earning a wage, so you go straight into work with no course fees, potentially debt free and with a better credit rating! Open to all Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers; they are open to anyone over the age of 16. At the heart of the apprenticeship is the unique combination of working, learning and earning, which makes it such an attractive route into the landscape industry. So, contact your local training provider or get in touch with a BALI member and see if they have a vacancy. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Hadlow College Student Progression at Provender Nurseries Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/hadlow-college-student-progression-at-provender-nurseries/ Published: 2020-07-16 After working closely with the potting on and growing of hardy nursery stock Provender Nurseries are delighted to have taken on two Hadlow College students on a part-time basis.   The two students work under Stuart Tickner, the Nursery Manager and are working with the nursery team undertaking general nursery work and learning new skills.  Working within the existing nursery team their daily tasks include unloading lorries, watering, weeding, labelling and feeding plants on site.   New skills gained at present are creating plant displays, interacting with customers and pruning of topiary plants which requires a good eye and patience and of course biosecurity.  Whilst working at Provender Nurseries both students are also being tested with regular plant idents and learning the seasonality of certain tasks and the rationale behind when and why seasonal tasks are carried out.     The ex-Hadlow College students, Rob Passey and Adam Harris are settling in well and rapidly becoming valuable team members.   Adam Harris says, ‘’I like putting the skills I learnt at Hadlow College into practise particularly pruning, feeding plants properly, biosecurity and how important watering is. It has also helped with plant identifying but I know I can also ask for help if I don’t know what I am looking for. I have never had to deal with customers before which is something I am learning. I like my job being very varied.  I particularly like tidying the plants and improving their displays.  I did this one particular time with the bay trees and was delighted to see man sell as a result.’’ Rob Passey states, “I enjoy pruning, moving stock, unloading lorries, and putting stock out for sale. I have learnt a lot of plant names in the short term I have been here and learnt a lot about the plants themselves. Everyone on the team is a good laugh, and makes me feel welcome. “  Provender Nurseries continues to work with Hadlow College and is looking toward the next academic year to continue the growing regime and working with students within the national curriculum.   Provender Nurseries are actively sourcing stock for growing on from the autumn as well as sourcing stock for the cash and carry sales at the moment. Due to Covid-19 restrictions placed earlier in the year some of the students did not manage to continue the work experience hours required for the completion of their course.  However, Provender Nurseries fully intend to continue the work experience on site next year.   Stuart Tickner says ‘We are genuinely delighted with the working relationship developing with Hadlow College.  As a company Provender Nurseries are keen to support the future of our industry and we feel the budding working relationship at Hadlow College will continue to go from strength to strength.’’ Provender Nurseries continues to work with other horticultural colleges in other capacities and welcome any enquiries from colleges and lecturers. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Top five landscaping skills by Stephen Ensell Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/top-five-landscaping-skills-by-stephen-ensell/ Published: 2020-05-28 'Tis skill, not strength, that governs a ship’ – Thomas Fuller. The landscape industry offers careers that cover a wide skill set, but this can be a double-edged sword, it means you have variety in your role, but also, you have a lot of skills to learn and perfect. You won’t be expected to learn them all straight away, and this isn’t necessarily the first thing landscape companies look for. Read our What landscape employers are really looking for blogpost for more on what landscape companies are looking for in candidates. So, where do you start with industry-specific skills? Well, let’s see what landscapers are looking for. The industry came under the microscope when a Horticulture Sector Skills Survey was carried out in 2019, and a large part of the survey was to look at the skills gaps that the industry faces, so what were the findings, what industry skills do landscape companies place the most importance on? Gaining some of these skills in advance will certainly improve your employability with landscape companies. A safe company is a healthy company Throughout the skills survey, positions that included managerial, technical and trades skills all saw the importance of Health and Safety, this was always in their top two skills. If businesses are to survive, function and hold a good reputation with clients and employees, they must operate safely, with its workforce adhering to current health and safety standards and practice. Consider gaining a landscape specific health and safety qualification like Register of Land-based Operatives Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness Course, this will demonstrate your competence in working safely. You could also add to this a LISS/CSCS card, which allows you to work on a commercial site, demonstrating again, that you can work not only safely, but also the other industry qualifications you hold. Let the tool do the work In every industry, the advancement of technology and machinery is paramount to its survival and the landscape sector is no different. Lots of machinery has been developed to help the professional landscaper in their daily tasks, from cutting grass to moving and shaping the ground on a new project. Landscapers can lose a lot of time when machinery is damaged or breaks down. Therefore, the value of a qualified machine operator is in high demand, along with people that know how to use equipment correctly, safely and to its full capability, knowing how to check it and often make simple repairs on it when it breaks down, are highly sought. Depending on the area of landscaping you are interested in it, it may be worth investing in some of the industry-specific short courses that focus on a particular piece of equipment. Change the future The environment and climate change are very much at the forefront of everyone’s mind, companies are working hard to tell you how environmentally safe they and their products are. Landscapers lead the way in what they do, creating and nurturing our green spaces, all of which have a direct impact on the environment and help reverse climate change. Add to this the impact green spaces have on our mental health, and landscaping is a career that makes real and tangible difference to our world and its people, in other words who wouldn’t want to get paid to do a job that rings these kind of changes! Landscapers are looking for people that are passionate about the environment and want to contribute to making the changes we need to make. It’s all in the design This is where most projects start, with a design. There are many roles that are dedicated solely to design, like Garden Designers and Landscape Architects, but most landscape companies have an element of design. Designers are responsible for putting together a green space or garden in the form of a design that will then be brought to life when its built. They demonstrate a tremendous amount of skill in understanding that process and designing a space that works for both the client and the environment that it will fit into. Designers develop their creative and problem-solving skills, their construction and plant knowledge, along with customer care. There are many specific courses that will help you develop these skills and teach you the principles of garden design. Find your local education provider here. Hard and soft landscaping This is the nuts and bolts of most landscape businesses’, the skills that focus on hard landscaping, the construction element of green spaces using ‘hard’ materials and soft landscaping, the planting up of projects and the use of ‘soft’ materials. The broad range of skills that landscapers use, means they never stop learning or developing these skills. British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) members cite the importance of construction skills like brickwork, timber work and laying paving, surveying and marking out, as essential skills they need in their employees. Add to this a good plant knowledge, as well as being able to plant plants correctly, means there are many skills you can learn and develop to make your way into the landscape industry. Thank you for reading and hope we have inspired to consider more research into the skills required to join the landscape industry. In our next blog we will be exploring education routes and paths that allow you to join the landscape industry. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Green light for four new industry apprenticeships Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/green-light-for-four-new-industry-apprenticeships/ Published: 2020-04-23 The Insitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) has given the industry approval to start development on four new apprenticeships; Arboriculturist, Horticulture Technical Manager, Professional Arboriculturist and Professional Forester.  These apprenticeships will be suitable for a wide range of roles including tree officers, arboricultural consultants, head gardeners, forest managers, greenspace/horticulture and landscape managers. This is an exciting development for the arboriculture, forestry and horticulture industries; helping employers develop people into these roles and providing a stepping stone into more senior positions while working on the job. Apprenticeships in England are approved and regulated by the Insitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) with groups of employers or ‘trailblazers’ developing the content. Once completed, these apprenticeships will attract Government/apprenticeship levy funding and be delivered by training providers to their local employers.  The Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture and Landscape Trailblazer group (AFHLT) have been developing apprenticeships for their sectors since 2014 and have successfully completed standards for Arborist, Forest Operative, Horticulture / Landscape Operative and Landscape / Horticulture Supervisor. There have been in the region of 1,500 starts on this suite of apprenticeships since their approval.  The new Arboriculturist (Level 4) apprenticeship will include: - assessing tree health and risk, managing contractors, handling complaints, applying the law in relation to tree work and making/assessing planning applications. The Horticulture Technical Manager (Level 5) will: - develop and manage parks, gardens, greenspaces and grounds (e.g. business parks, schools, retail sites etc), manage horticultural spaces, engage with clients, customers and visitors, including undertaking financial management and income generation. Both of these proposals were approved by the IFATE in December 2019. Proposals for arboricultural and forestry apprenticeship roles at degree level were resubmitted in mid-February 2020, following feedback from the IFATE’s response to the original proposals in December 2019. The IFATE requested that the group explored combining the two professions into a core apprenticeship with options or provide sufficient detail to warrant different pathways. Following a lot of hard work by the AFHLT group and supported by the relevant sub-groups the original proposals were redrafted; a separate business case was created to highlight the differences between the professions; and additional Higher Educational Institution (HEI) evidence was compiled to enhance the redrafted proposals. The IFATE have now approved separate degree-level apprenticeships in forestry and arboriculture for development. This is a great example of how sub-group members can contribute to change and enable the creation of such vital future opportunities for both professions. The chairs are extremely grateful to all involved. The AFHLT recognises that these are challenging times for all employers and employees and our professions as whole. We understand that there has been a need to drastically re-evaluate what each and every one of us does on a daily basis across our work and personal lives. Even with the changes and sacrifices that we are all having to make at the moment, we hope that this good news will help to enhance opportunities for our industries moving forward in the future and aid us on as we look to recover. The horticulture, landscape, forestry and arboriculture industries have worked tirelessly on these apprenticeship proposals and the ‘green light’ to start development is a huge achievement. It is likely that the development will take at least a year and employers who want to shape the future skills of the workforce should register their interest by signing up here. ------------------------------------------------------------ # What landscape employers are really looking for by Stephen Ensell Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/what-landscape-employers-are-really-looking-for-by-stephen-ensell/ Published: 2020-02-18 Many landscaping companies have changed the way they recruit people and what they are primarily looking for. The focus is now more on attributes and behaviours than just industry skills, believing that if a candidate exhibits the right attributes and behaviours they can learn and develop their technical skills. It is not the strongest or most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change. Charles Darwin Stephen Ensell spoke to several landscaping companies to find out what they look for in a potential new employee. A is for Attitude It may sound cliched, but it's top of the list for what companies are looking for. You can have a negative, positive or indifferent attitude and these will all have a major impact on the workplace, staff morale, productivity as well as your chances of progression. You are choosing to join the landscape industry, whilst there can be external factors that impact your daily attitude, for the most part, you are in control and can make the decision to have a positive attitude, what’s more, it’s contagious! Above all things, employers can work with a can-do attitude. Do what you love, love what you do Most people in the landscape industry do what they do because they love it! Be that working outside, designing and creating incredible spaces and making a difference in people’s lives. So, they want the people that work for them to be passionate about what they do and enthusiastic about work. Passionate people are loyal, show up, want to do the best job they possibly can and motivate others along the way. That’s why employers look for passionate people. Thirst for knowledge We never stop learning and this is especially true in landscaping. With such a broad spectrum of skills, you are always discovering something new, even if it’s a new plant that you have identified. Companies don’t expect you to know everything and they are more interested in a willingness to learn as opposed to what you already know (or the bad habits you may have). Companies are more than happy to invest in training for people who want to learn and put those skills into practice. Is anybody there? Reliability is essential, landscapers need people to be on time and turn up where they need to be. You could be the best bricklayer in town, but if you are either turning up late or not turning up at all, you are of no use to the company, because the bricks aren’t getting laid and the job will fall behind. An incredible amount of days are lost to businesses whose staff are constantly calling in sick. We all get genuinely sick from time to time, but people that use this as a regular excuse are showing signs they aren’t happy in their work. Together everyone achieves more The average landscape contract is a collaborative activity, a number of elements have to come together to produce the end result. This takes skill as well as timing, which only works when people pull together as a team. We talk about many working parts making the whole, and this is certainly the case with landscaping. Employers want their employees to work well together, it makes for a productive and smooth-running project and a great team player can go on to be a great supervisor! Make it happen Having short and long-term goals and working towards them demonstrates ambition and a desire to be always moving forward, which is highly desirable to landscape companies. We have all been asked, where do you see yourself in five years’ time? How have you answered that, have you even thought about it? It’s all about making the most of opportunities that present themselves and even creating a few of your own. If you see yourself in the position of supervisor or manager, then progressive companies will help you achieve that. It’s all in the detail Attention to detail in landscaping defines a landscaper and therefore helps the company set itself apart from the competition. Taking pride in your work shows you care, we all know a perfectionist and whilst we may not go as far as some, there is no room for a ‘that will do’ attitude in landscaping. From a spot-on laid slab to the perfect mitre cut produces a job well done and a happy client. What’s interesting to see is that these are skills that everyone can develop. The main focus of landscape companies looking to hire is not what landscaping skills you have, but whether you will fit in with the company and the rest of the team, that you are keen, willing to learn and reliable. They will then be willing to invest in you, adding the technical skills once you are in the role. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Greenscape Gardens champions Apprentice Max Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/greenspace-gardens-champions-their-apprentice-max-during-national-apprenticeship-week/ Published: 2020-02-05 In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week 2020 #NAW2020, GoLandscape would like to introduce you to Max. Max is currently undertaking a Level 2 Landscape Operative apprenticeship through BALI Training Provider member YMCA Training. Day to day he works for BALI Registered Contractor Greenscape Gardens, receiving on the job training, whilst working as and developing the many skills of a landscaper. In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week 2020 #NAW2020, GoLandscape would like to introduce you to Max. Max is currently undertaking a Level 2 Landscape Operative apprenticeship through BALI Training Provider member YMCA Training. Day to day he works for BALI Registered Contractor Greenscape Gardens, receiving on the job training, whilst working as and developing the many skills of a landscaper. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Landscaping overseas with the Young Landscapers Exchange Program Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/introducing-the-young-landscapers-exchange-program-with-elca/ Published: 2020-01-24 Ever wondered what landscaping looks like in another country? Would you like to travel and meet other landscapers, learn how they work, experience a different culture, widen your circle of friends and share your own knowledge? The European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA) is offering an opportunity for young landscapers to travel and experience landscaping in another part of the world. Click here for further information, then put together a covering letter and make sure your CV is up-to-date and send it to exchange@elca.info. ------------------------------------------------------------ # GoLandscape launches video series promoting industry careers Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/golandscape-launches-a-new-video-series-with-maylim/ Published: 2020-01-20 ducing GoLandscape's new video series! Over the next few weeks, we will share a new talking heads film in collaboration with landscape contractor Maylim, providing insight into the real world of landscaping and identifying the many career opportunities available. In our first video, featuring Soft Landscaper Jordan Lee, we learn more about this particular role and what it's like working outdoors in the fresh air, and being paid to do so! Check out the video below or through the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPr0HfDodvU Commenting on the video, Jordan said: I studied computer science at university and my dad has always had a keen interest in landscaping and so I followed his footsteps. Jordan Lee Business Development and Marketing Manager at Maylim, Frankie Patman, commented: I feel extremely proud to have played a part in coordinating this fantastic collaboration between Maylim and BALI GoLandscape (British Association of Landscape Industries). The aim of the game...to show the diverse range of roles available within the landscape construction industry. Each video focuses on individual team members. They each openly and honestly discuss their positions in the industry, what they love about their job and why they chose landscaping as a career. I can't wait to share the rest of the videos - yes, even the one featuring your truly! Frankie Patman There will be a new video released every week, between now and March 2020. Please stay tuned to the GoLandscape website for further details. ------------------------------------------------------------ # How to successfully change career by Stephen Ensell Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/how-to-successfully-change-career-the-landscaping-way/ Published: 2019-10-10 sure you have been asked that question, ‘What is your dream job?’. How many of us are actually employed in a dream job! Surely the more realistic question is, ‘Are you enjoying what you do at the moment?’. If you’re employed in the UK, the reality is most of us will end up working for a very long time, in some cases well past the age of 65. With such an investment in time and energy, it makes sense to be working within a role that you enjoy. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle Steve Jobs If you’re one of the 56% of British workers who are unhappy in their current role, according to a CV Library poll surveying 1,200 people in 2018, taking the first step to changing careers takes time, planning and plenty of investigation. It should never be a knee jerk reaction as a result of a bad day at work. Before any decisions are made, the ‘why’ needs to be carefully examined and thought through, so be open and honest about why you are changing careers in the first instance. Consider a career in landscaping? If you are looking to change careers, think landscaping. The ornamental horticulture sector, of which landscape services is one industry that is represented within this sector, offers boundless opportunities to be creative and to be challenged. Working individually or as part of team, many roles in the industry almost certainly involve working outdoors. As well as the added benefit of being responsible for transforming landscapes, shaping the environment around us and improving quality of life for those that enjoy our landscaped spaces, you will quickly come to realise that this industry is one of the friendliest and most supportive industries in the UK. Speak to people already in the industry, find out what they enjoy, but also what they don’t like about their job. It’s important to get the whole picture. Don’t forget, if you don’t know it, Google will. Failing that, social media is a great place to make new connections and conduct some research. Try before you buy If you want to be absolutely sure you’re making the right move, see if there is a company willing to let you volunteer for a day or two’s work experience. It’s invaluable to get a real feel for what landscaping is like, you can read as many books and articles on the subject as you like, it’s not until you try it first-hand that you will appreciate what the role is like and what it entails.  Plus, you can add this to the experience section of your CV. What to take, what to leave Take stock of your current job role, what do you enjoy, what are you good at? This will help determine the positive things that you can carry over into your career in landscaping. Likewise, have a think about what makes you unhappy and stresses you out in your current job that’s made you want to change. Also, don’t ignore your weaknesses, knowing these, along with your strengths will help you understand how you can use them to your advantage. I’m really good at…… You’ve decided that you’re leaving, now you need to really get to grips with what you’re good at and what skills and abilities you can transfer into your new role. Landscape companies are always looking for people that are effective communicators, able to solve problems, work well with others. But what specific skills do you have that can be brought to the table? How are your planning, organisation and management skills? Take a look at job adverts for landscaping companies, see what skills they are after and try and match them to your own set. Plug the gaps Consider ways you can update your knowledge and learn essential new skills that are more specific to the role. Have a look at local and/or part time courses, or even consider a distance learning course from a reputable awarding body. These will help develop your understanding of landscaping, won’t break the bank and can be done at convenient times outside of core work hours. Take the jump and apply Maybe you’re the world’s best procrastinator, and you will find excuses to put off doing things; the times not right, I need to do more research, I need more savings behind me. It’s quite easy to talk about changing careers, lots of people do this, but if you are serious about joining the landscaping industry, then you can’t just talk about it, you need to make it happen and take the plunge. You are not entering an industry that is oversubscribed, it has a shortage of skilled people and is very keen to recruit fresh talent. Don’t lose your nerve Friends and family might say you’re mad to change careers at a certain stage in your life and will present you with lots of reasons why you shouldn’t leave your current job. Just keep revisiting your original reasons for wanting to change, why you dislike your current job versus what’s so appealing about a job in landscaping. So, you’ve done your homework, you have a plan and can see that you not only want to change careers, but that it is a viable option. All that’s left to do is to try, go for it and make it happen! You’ll be better off for it in the long-term, and you never know, it might just become your dream job after all. For help and advice on locating a suitable role within the landscaping industry visit golandscape.co.uk, where you will find a wealth of expert knowledge and career advice on routes to industry, qualifications and CV tips. ------------------------------------------------------------ # It’s never too late to change… Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/its-never-too-late-to-change/ Published: 2019-08-02 Thinking about changing careers and entering the exciting world of landscaping, but nervous about making the jump? Here’s Paul's story, which will hopefully inspire you to take the plunge. "I have just received an unconditional offer from the University of West Scotland to begin the path to a degree. The deal-breaker was a Higher Qualification of Geography which I studied during my 6th year at the academy...I never thought that would come in handy, but it did! This allowed me to join the HNC course on Countryside and Environmental Management, then I will progress to HND and finally year 3 of the Degree and, if I chose to, I can complete year 4 for the honour’s degree. The icing on the cake, I have also been offered a job maintaining and living on an estate. Prior to this I completed a 4-year apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering (this was more just 'to get a trade’, not from desire or passion) I joined a few companies throughout the years that followed, carrying out various electrical tasks involving maintenance and installation also. 13 years on and I still have no passion for the work I do, so I began to soul search a little bit. I asked myself 'what do I love?' Outdoors, gardening, landscaping, helping on the estate. So, I began speaking to experienced, established people from different backgrounds, such as Education Officer Stephen Ensell and Technical Officer Owen Baker from the British Association of Landscape Industries, some Park Rangers and of course my dad. My initial idea was to buy a van, lawnmower, strimmer etc and make up some fliers but after speaking with you guys I was rightly advised to get at least some qualifications in this field in order to separate myself from and be of better quality than the masses of 'cut and blow cowboys'. This is when I began looking at going back into education. I browsed all sorts of courses and their content until I found the one that felt right for me and after researching thoroughly what jobs I could pursue with this qualification... National Park Ranger was now screaming at me.  I looked into this profession in great detail and decided it's the one for me....and the good thing about the degree qualification is that if I change my mind mid-course, I still have many other options to explore with regards to employment. I would recommend this course for anyone who has aspirations or a desire to work outdoors and also to help preserve our beautiful wildlife and countryside. The environment needs as many people to help as it can get, and as we all know, the wildlife needs conservation efforts and I want to offer my services to it. I should probably also mention this for anyone who was like me as a youngster and thought they were going to end up a professional footballer!!! Yes, chase that dream with all you have and don't ever let putdowns or rejections make you stop chasing that dream.... but ALWAYS have a plan B! Until 18, I played professionally with a youth team but was released by my club and I regrettably threw in the towel...and had no plan B as backup...this is when I wished I’d pursued the career I am pursuing now...however I will say, it's never too late for a career change!! I am 31 and finally am excited about my career and prospects’. ------------------------------------------------------------ # GoLandscape at Gardeners World Live! Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/golandscape-at-gardeners-world-live/ Published: 2019-06-21 GoLandscape was in attendance at Gardeners World live, where it promoted the industry and ran a number of interactive activities for schools and children (and quite a few adults) visiting the show at the NEC. The rain didn’t dampen peoples enthusiasm, with children being able to try their hand at block paving and for budding designers to have a go at creating a mini landscape. It was wonderful to be able share a stand with the likeminded Roots to Fruit Midlands Ltd and their platinum award winning garden ‘Schools out for summer’. The garden practically showcased just how much of horticulture can be used in most, if not all curriculum subjects, demonstrating the value of horticulture and landscaping as not only a highly skilled subject, but also a viable career. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Resin bound paving Masterclass Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/sureset-permeable-paving-supports-merrist-wood-college-students-with-a-resin-bound-paving-masterclass/ Published: 2019-06-18 SureSet Permeable Paving supports Merrist Wood College students with a resin bound paving Masterclass Merrist Wood College based in Surrey has a huge history behind it including, in 1939 when Merrist Wood was bought by Surrey County Council under the compulsory purchase order to convert Merrist Wood House into a mental health institution. In 1943 the Government committee recommended that every county should have its own Farm Institute to train people for careers - the land at Merrist Wood was selected as Surrey’s. It was in 1945 when they started to offer educational courses based on agriculture and horticulture. Today the college offers a wide choice of courses for its students, such as Animal Management, Floristry, Garden Design, Landscaping, equine management and tree rigging. At the end of 2018, SureSet were contacted by Stephen Ensell, Head orgainser of the BALI GO Landscape scheme which aims to provide young people with career advise as well as inspiring and knowledgeable educational presentations by reputable businesses. Keen to learn more was Tony Begg Head Tutor of the Landscape Construction Department at Merrist Wood College. Tony was interested in a CPD presentation but requested a demonstration for the students to see how resin bound paving is used and installed. Once the date was set, 1st May 2019 the Installation Team, Sale Manager and Marketing Assistant all headed to the college to show the students how to lay resin bound paving and answer any questions. In total there were 40 construction students who attended our demonstration. The morning plan consisted of a presentation and a practical side. At first the students were a little hesitant to get involved, but once one brave student got involved and had a go at floating on our DIY table the rest of the students followed, which as you can see from the image they had a brilliant time doing so. Tony their Tutor was thrilled and had this to say about our presentation and demonstration: “Thank you, Alasdair, Mikey and James for the SureSet demonstration and presentation on permeable paving held at Merrist Wood Landscape Workshop last week on 01 May. The event was well attended by our students and some staff and it played a good part to inspiring young people in landscaping. Alastair McMillan and your team highlighted the ways that products and materials like SureSet can lead to social improvement, economic impact and environmental advantages within our industry. Our students gave very good feedback to us over the last week. It was a pleasure to show you round the Animal Care Unit with Luke and his team which also went well.” After the demonstration was completed, we had spent a little time with the students to see if they did have any questions regarding the presentation. A lot of the students were still very engaged at this point with plenty of questions about resin bound, which was lovely to hear, overall their main interest was in the process of preparing the resin and mixing with the aggregate to create a fully bound system that’s laid on a surface. Once the presentation had finished Tony wanted to give us a tour of their amazing facilities - there was no way we could say no, especially when one of our team members used to be a zookeeper, Alasdair Head of Sales at SureSet, was in his element. We were led around the Animal Care Unit where we meet a variety of animals for students to look after- birds, snakes, frogs, meerkats, horses and so much more. It was an amazing afternoon and a real treat. We were very grateful that Tony and the team took time out to show us around and make us feel welcome in their college.  We are hoping to do more presentations at the college in the future, its wonderful to meet so many young potential builders, landscapers and gardeners of the future and educate them on resin bound paving. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Horticulture trainees shortlisted for Lantra Learner of the Year Awards Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/horticulture-trainees-shortlisted-for-lantra-learner-of-the-year-awards/ Published: 2019-01-31 Three trainees from the horticulture industry have been short-listed for Lantra Scotland’s Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards, which will take place at theDoubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel on Thursday 7th March 2019. The finalists are Calum Melrose, Ross Yuile and Tyler Tovey. Calum, aged 22 from Livingston, is doing a Modern Apprenticeship with West Lothian Council through SRUC. His consistent high standards were recently recognised when he won APSE’s (Association of Public Sector Excellence) 2018 Apprentice of the Year Award for Horticulture. Calum said: “I believe I deserve to win a Lantra award because I am highly motivated and determined. This is shown by my willingness to complete tasks within a time frame and to a high standard.” Ross, aged 24 from Glasgow, has done an NC in Horticulture at Glasgow Clyde College. His lecturers say that he shows dedication and commitment to his education, whether working on his own, with others in a classroom, or in an external environment. He is always an inspiration to others. Ross said: “I take college really seriously and always put 100% into every report, assessment, group activity and practical work that I’m given.” Tyler, aged 23 from East Calder, has completed an SVQ Level 3 in Horticulture at SRUC, while working as a Gardener at Jupiter Artland Gardens in Edinburgh. He was top student for his SVQ and the only Scottish student selected to attend the Royal Horticultural Society’s Breakfast Reception at the Chelsea Flower Show. Tyler said: “An award like this would be a fantastic indicator to any future employers of my experience, knowledge, hard work, dedication and passion for horticulture.” Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries, and the awards play a vital role in promoting careers within the rural sector, celebrating the achievements of learners and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skills. MC and host for the evening will be well-known farmer and stand-up comedian, Jim Smith. Last year’s overall winner, Megan Rowland, will also talk about the difference the award has made to her career and her role as one of Lantra’s industry champions. The awards include categories for the agriculture, animal care, aquaculture, equine, horticulture, game and wildlife, trees and timber, land-based engineering and the environmental conservation industries, as well as Higher Education, Rural Schools, Modern Apprentice of the Year and CARAS (Council for Awards of Agricultural Societies) Awards. The CARAS Award was established by the UK’s four national agricultural societies, including the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS). It aims to recognise, through an awards scheme, distinguished achievements in agriculture and related land-based industries. RHASS also support an award for secondary schools. The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the Learner of the Year Overall Winner, for the talented trainee who has demonstrated exceptional ability, hard work and passion during their studies. The Tam Tod Trophy will be awarded in association with Countryside Learning Scotland to an outstanding young learner. The trophy was created in memory of the late Tam Tod, described as a well-loved gamekeeper, ghillie and lifelong friend of the countryside. Jean’s Jam Award will also be making a return. The award recognises an inspiring mentor, teacher or trainer and was donated by training instructor Elspeth Watson in memory of her friend, Jean Costello. The finalists for the 2019 learner of the year awards were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector: Agriculture and rural affairs journalist Erika Hay, Keith Paterson of Forestry Commission Scotland, farmer Keith Redpath, former agricultural banker Jimmy McLean; Lisa Connell of The Scottish Salmon Company and Rebecca Dawes of Jane Craigie Marketing. Liz Barron-Majerik, Director of Lantra Scotland commented: “We’re delighted to announce the finalists for our 2019 Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards. As well as highlighting the achievements of new entrants to our sector, the awards play a key role in promoting the importance of gaining qualifications and developing skills, for both trainees and their employers. Everyone who was nominated, whether a finalist or not, should be extremely proud of this recognition, and we look forward to celebrating their success at our ceremony in the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro on Thursday 7th March. We are very grateful to the independent panel of judges, to training providers and to the employers for contributions, and of course to all of our generous event sponsors.” Erika Hay, chair of the independent judging panel, said: “As in previous years, we’ve been very impressed with the quality of people nominated for Lantra’s awards, and it’s been a privilege to meet them. We know how much it means to finalists to get to this stage of the awards, as it’s a great boost for their self-confidence and demonstrates their potential to the rest of the sector. There’s a real depth of talent and enthusiasm coming through across the country, and that can only be a good thing for Scotland’s rural economy.” Since the awards were launched in 2004, there have been over 1000 nominees and 300 finalists. Tickets for the evening are available from Lantra on 01738 310164 or scotland@lantra.co.uk. See www.lantra.co.uk/Scotland/tickets. Lantra’s work in Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government. Lantra Scotland is on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. ------------------------------------------------------------ # BALI Chalk Fund Student of The Year Competition winner Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/bali-chalk-fund-student-of-the-year-competition-winner/ Published: 2018-12-12 It was wonderful to be able to celebrate the work that our students do at colleges up and down the country through The BALI Chalk Fund Student of the Year Competition. This year, Ashley Zymanczyk from Merrist Wood College fought off some stiff competition to win the overall student of the year. He attended the BALI Awards 2018 with his lecturer Tony Begg, to collect his prize of £500 and an additional prize of £500 for his college. If you are a registered BALI training provider and have already spotted a potential strong student among your cohort, remember they can be entered for next year, look out for an invite to enter them. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Brooksby Melton College hard landscaping day Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/brooksby-melton-college-hard-landscaping-day/ Published: 2018-12-06 With hard landscaping skills being so high on the skills shortage list, GoLandscape was proud to organise a hard landscaping day for the students at Brooksby Melton College. The students got to try their hand at both laying slabs and block paving and so give them a flavour of the skills that landscapers employ. Barry Randall and Brendon Cupkovic from Leicestershire Garden Design and Andrew Booth from the Talasey Group were on hand to help mentor the students in both practical elements and the attitudes and skills that landscapers are looking for. A big thank you to the Talasey Group for the loan of the materials. ------------------------------------------------------------ # Vanishing gardens and landscapes threaten UK future says BALI, RHS and HTA Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/vanishing-gardens-and-landscapes-threaten-uk-future-says-bali-rhs-and-hta/ Published: 2018-10-25 For the first time, a report* by Oxford Economics for the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group** reveals the significant value of the UK’s ornamental horticulture and landscape industries. In light of its economic importance, the industry contends that it isn’t being taken seriously by Government for the immense benefits it delivers. £24.2 billion is the total GDP footprint of the UK’s ornamental horticulture industries in 2017. Whilst parks, gardens and green spaces provide a £131 billion aggregate boost to Britain’s house prices as part of the appeal of nature, homes being built without private gardens are on the rise. Predictions show that gardens are getting smaller and nearly a quarter of new homes don’t have gardens at all. In 2020 one million more homes won’t have a private garden compared to 1995*** Some 568,700 jobs were supported by the industry in 2017, amounting to 1.6 percent of total UK employment, yet horticulture is hardly referenced in the national curriculum or promoted as a valued career path. Despite ornamental horticulture generating £5.4 billion in revenue for HM Government in 2017, the industry has been largely ignored and receives little direct support or fiscal incentives. Yet it delivers exceptional public value in terms of the environmental benefit it provides to the nation. On Monday 29 October 2019, one of the Nation’s best-loved gardeners, Alan Titchmarsh, will speak on behalf of the ornamental horticulture industry at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Horticulture and Gardening Reception in Westminster and call on MPs to better recognise and invest in this vital industry. Alan Titchmarsh says; "We must urgently stop the demise of the UK's gardens and landscapes for the sake of the economy and, equally importantly, for the sake of our health and well-being and that of the environment and wildlife. The health-giving properties of green spaces are well documented and their provision helps to relieve pressure on our troubled National Health Service." “This report shows the huge value of ornamental horticulture to the UK’s economy.  Last year households spent around £7.5 billion on garden goods, with manufacturers selling around £1.3 billion worth of garden goods and products. That’s £1 in every £100 of household spending going on horticultural products and services.   If horticulture continues to be undervalued and overlooked and we carry on building houses without gardens it will have a devastating impact not only on our national economy but also on the environment and our living conditions as a whole.” “The UK’s commercial growers grew ornamental plants with a production value of £1.35 billion in the UK last year – with Brexit this is an industry we must support and grow, the opportunities are immense.” Whilst Councils across the UK face an average 40% cut to parks and greenspace budgets, the Report reveals that £2.9 billion worth of tourism was attributable to parks and gardens in 2017. Alan finishes: “On top of the huge economic value this industry brings to the UK, it is also critical for the health benefits it delivers. In the same year, UK’s vegetation provided air quality improvement with an economic value of £1.1 billion and averted 1,900 deaths from pollution. The Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group, chaired by Sue Biggs, RHS Director General, is a body of industry leaders and innovators, including retailers, gardening charities and industry bodies, they have long been championing the immense value and benefits of ornamental horticulture to safeguard the Nation’s future – it’s time to sit up, take note and act to support this invaluable and immense industry for a better future for all.” The Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group is now calling on Government to: Create opportunities for the industry to scale up UK production in light of Brexit Nurture innovation funding in horticultural science for environmental resilience and health benefits Support the development of a skills roadmap, to ensure a pipeline of talent to meet current and future workforce needs *The Economic Impact of Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping in the UK: An independent report by Oxford Economics for the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group, 2018 It has been funded by; The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and the Arboricultural Association. The report is the first time the economic contribution and scale has been mapped revealing its true size and value, as well as looking at the consequential impact the industry has on the vital areas of the environment, health and wellbeing. The Economic Impact of Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping in the UK Report has been produced for the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable, a sector led group formed in 2014 to strengthen co-operation between UK government and the horticulture, landscape and gardening industry. Full report link to webpage www.rhs.org.uk/ohr **The Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable is a sector led group formed in 2014 with support from Defra to strengthen co-operation between UK government and the ornamental horticulture, landscape and gardening industry. They meet 4 times a year and membership includes: Arboricultural Association, British Association of Landscape Industries, Chartered Institute of Horticulture Horticultural Trades Association, LANDEX, National Farmers Union, Royal Horticultural Society and The Landscape show. ***Reports suggests that by next year 2.16million homes will be without a private garden, compared to 1.6 million in 1995, and that the figure will continue to rise steeply to 2.6million by 2020. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5811433/More-than-two-million-British-homes-without-a-garden.html The proportion of GB adults with a garden has fallen from just over 80% in 2000 to around 77% in 2016. HTA Garden Market Analysis 2017.New homes' gardens average 113sqm and 26% don't have gardens, up from 18% in 1996. B&Q Yougov report https://www.bioregional.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/19219_WildlifeGardensReport_DIGITALFinal.pdf ------------------------------------------------------------ # GoLandscape pledges its support to YMCA Training to raise awareness of available apprenticeships Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/golandscape-pledges-its-support-to-ymca-training/ Published: 2018-10-25 GoLandscape has pledged its support to YMCA Training, on their work on delivering industry apprenticeships in the wake of a 28% shortfall in the number of apprenticeships being undertaken in the UK, according to FE News. Along with a decrease in apprenticeships, the Open University has recently reported that only 8% of companies in the UK have drawn from their levy, proving that more support is needed to inspire, educate and encourage industry employers to understand the benefits of taking on apprentices as part of their workforce. YMCA Training - part of Central YMCA - helps young people find new opportunities through work and training. Every year, thousands of apprentices are trained and go on to build rewarding and fulfilling careers. BALI’s Education Officer, Stephen Ensell, said; “GoLandscape is proud to support YMCA Training in the industry apprenticeships they offer; their bespoke training means that, nationally, they can help landscapers develop a workforce that addresses the skill shortfalls they so desperately need, which in turn helps boost the economy and grow their own business. We are really looking forward to supporting and working with them in the promotion of the industry”. BALI’s GoLandscape initiative launched nationwide in March 2018 at RHS Garden Wisley and has already made significant progress in working with employers and industry colleges to provide more opportunities for school leavers and career changers to find suitable employment within the landscape industry, where their skills and knowledge are mapped to the needs of businesses operating in both domestic and commercial capacities. ------------------------------------------------------------ # GoLandscape supports Brinsbury College and students with their hard landscaping skills Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/golandscape-supports-brinsbury-college-and-students-with-their-hard-landscaping-skills/ Published: 2018-10-18 BALI's Education Officer, Stephen Ensell, was at Brinsbury College this week, helping students with their hard landscaping techniques, including laying natural paving, mixing and brickwork. With support from GoLandscape Ambassador Jake Catling of The Landscaping Consultants and materials donated by CED Stone Group, the day was a true success. The aim of the workshop was to provide students with a flavour of what hard landscaping techniques are deployed and utilised by landscapers. As well as several demonstrations and hands-on opportunities, there was also a presentation by Shane Reddish of CED Stone Group, who explored a few of the companies' products and technological developments. BALI's Education Officer Stephen Ensell discussed BALI and the association's involvement and links with industry employers, and, the importance of the GoLandscape initiative. In total there were 27 Level 2 and Level 3 students in attendance. ------------------------------------------------------------ # BALI partners with Capel Manor College to launch Landscape Construction Diploma Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/bali-partners-with-capel-manor-college-to-launch-landscape-construction-diploma/ Published: 2018-10-18 BALI, through its nationwide GoLandscape initiative, has supported BALI Training Provider member Capel Manor College in developing and launching a brand-new Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction (Level 3). Endorsed by employers within the industry, a crucial element of this new Diploma, the course offers a unique opportunity to develop both technical and business skills. Capel Manor College developed the course based on the recent GoLandscape skills survey that was circulated to all BALI members earlier this year. The course has been designed based on that feedback, with input directly from landscape businesses, many of whom are BALI members. The course will also incorporate the BALI Chalk Fund sponsored additional tickets. Modules include; living walls, water management/SUDS, surveying and construction drawings, business practice and project management, paving, timber and brickwork, water features, use of plants in landscaping and a show garden build. A block of work experience, which forms part of the course, is also integrated within the course and supported by BALI members. BALI's Technical Officer (Quality Assurance) Richard Gardiner said; It’s great to see a land-based college continually thinking about how they can improve their offering to students and the industry they serve. Hard landscaping, in particular, seems to have been overlooked by colleges for some time and I am delighted that Capel Manor College has developed this qualification in response to industry feedback. BALI's Education Officer, Stephen Ensell, who is responsible for delivering GoLandscape, said; The fact that Capel Manor College has taken the lead and approached the industry to support them in developing a hard landscape qualification is a great encouragement. It means that the students now have an entry point to gain the very best, most up-to-date skills and experience to help them enter the landscaping industry. The Diploma will be taught at Capel Manor College’s Enfield campus and can be studied on a full or part-time basis with an optional unit selection. Successful completion of this course will enable students to begin a career in landscape construction or progress to a degree level course. Sarah Seery, Head of School for Horticulture and Landscaping at Capel Manor College, says; We’re incredibly excited to have partnered with BALI in the creation of our new Advanced Diploma in Landscape Construction. As London’s leading land-based college, renowned for our exceptional courses in horticulture and landscaping, the unique opportunity to create a course in collaboration with a leading trade association has been warmly welcomed by the college community and endorsed by employers. Details on the course can be found on Capel's website here. The first course starts w/c 10 September but Capel Manor College has confirmed that they will still accept entries at this stage. ------------------------------------------------------------ # BALI GoLandscape’s show garden of two halves awarded Gold at RHS Hampton Court Source: https://www.golandscape.co.uk/bali-golandscapes-show-garden-of-two-halves-awarded-gold-at-rhs-hampton-court/ Published: 2018-07-03 The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) ‘Best of Both Worlds’ show garden, built by a team of 23 students, has been awarded a prestigious Gold medal at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2018. Judges were left suitably impressed by the garden, designed by BALI Registered Designer Rosemary Coldstream MBALI MSGD of Rosemary Coldstream Garden Design, which has been divided into two halves, one traditional and one contemporary, demonstrating different skills, materials and techniques and including a variety of both hard and soft landscaping elements. The garden, which measures over 100sqm, features a large variety of plants including types of agapanthus, buxus sempervirens, pachysandra, astrantia, geranium, lavandula, salvia and thalictrum. The garden also displays a row of pleached Carpinus , a Cretan terracotta water feature and a sunken cedar bench surrounding a luxury granite paved fire pit. The garden was jointly sponsored by BALI and the RHS to promote GoLandscape, a national industry careers initiative launched by BALI earlier this year following a successful pilot phase. BALI’s Education Officer Stephen Ensell, who has led the project, commented; By involving students and apprentices in the construction of the garden, including laying paving and planting over 1,000 species, we are providing them with a platform from which to demonstrate their skills in front of the wider landscape industry. I can think of no better way of promoting the opportunities available in our industry than by showcasing a garden of this size to the thousands of visitors expected over the next few days. BALI’s Chief Executive Wayne Grills said; BALI continues to receive a tremendous amount of support for GoLandscape, which was designed to promote landscaping as a viable and rewarding career option for students choosing their future career path. It was also set up to help students and apprentices already studying horticulture, from entry level through to degree level, to find employment within the industry, and to combat the current skills gap crisis faced by our industry. He continued By working with industry partners, including the RHS, BALI and its GoLandscape Ambassadors are working tirelessly to help promote and showcase the skills and talents of our students and apprentices, to really help get the message across that high quality landscaping is essential for improving our environment, health and wellbeing and for providing a sustainable future for all. On Monday 2 July, BALI presented two awards to two students, following a vote from mentors, to reward the top hard landscaping student and top soft landscaping student for their skill and professionalism. The prize package included a Swiss made pruning shear worth over £100, courtesy of Felco, and a certificate. The winners, Jamie Anderson of Southern Land Services and Natalie Fairs from Capel Manor College, were presented with the prizes on the garden in front of media representatives and journalists during RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show’s official press day. BALI and the RHS would like to personally congratulate all of the students who helped build the GoLandscape show garden and say a huge ‘thank you’ to the mentors who oversaw the design and build of the project, including BALI’s Education Officer Stephen Ensell, BALI Registered Designer Rosemary Coldstream MBALI MSGD, David Dodd and Mark Britton of BALI Registered Contractor The Outdoor Room, Jake Catling of BALI Registered Contractor The Landscaping Consultants, and Anna Butterfield. ------------------------------------------------------------