We have people out there talking to you about your concerns, your issues and your ideas. Together with our yearly research that looks at what’s missing in the world of skills, both today and tomorrow, you can be sure we're doing everything we can to understand your needs. Read more...

Horticulture, Landscaping & Sports Turf Skills Needs

You can be sure we know what you need.

 

Horticulture skills

67% of businesses in England and Wales surveyed by GreenSpace reported that the most common skills gap was horticulture. This combined with anecdotal evidence from English Heritage (which suggested applicants lack ‘practical’ skills and ‘plant knowledge’) puts these skills at the top of the list.

Planning for climate change and sustainability

Climate change and sustainability management have all added to the challenges of horticulture management. You want the skills to respond to these changes, planning long term and protecting the UK’s landscapes.

Leadership and management training

Horticulture, landscaping and sports turf businesses need to develop the skills of its future managers and leaders. With much of the workforce over 40 (and 36% over 50), the industry will be losing a lot of skills through retirement.

Managing budgets and fund-raising skills

Trade bodies and membership organisations are suffering from drop in membership. This means they have less money to carry out their objectives and activities such as exhibitions and other public marketing events. You need to be able to manage your budgets effectively as well as raise the money you need.

Access to training

The historical low uptake of horticulture qualifications is, and already has, resulted in the loss of training. You told us you want more flexible training ways to train your staff that relates to your business needs.

The Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF for short) now provides an opportunity to ‘pick and mix’ units of learning, at a pace that suits your needs. Find out more.