Joining forces for the Future of Landscaping Careers
Date: Friday 23rd August 2024
Lantra and the British Association of Landscape Industries, commonly known as BALI, are excited to announce that they are working together in partnership on a research project which will explore and understand the barriers to the uptake of apprenticeships by landscaping businesses across the UK and propose solutions to bring new entrants into the industry.
The research project, titled; Bringing New Entrants into Landscaping has been launched today at the flagship landscaping trade show, FutureScape with Marcus Potter, CEO of Lantra; Wayne Grills, Cheif Executive of BALI; and Charles Blumlein, Founder and Managing Director of Location Landscapes taking part in a panel discussion highlighting the need for this research, and discussing the important of getting new entrants into the industry.
The importance of data in Landscaping
Apprenticeships offer a good and practical way for people to start in a new industry, and this applies to the landscaping industry too.
Launching today, will be a survey for landscaping professionals to take part in, informing Lantra and BALI of their views to some of the challenges around apprenticeships within the industry.
Alongside the survey, work will be undertaken to look at the data of apprenticeship uptake and completion over the last five years.
Industry leaders recognising the need for research
Marcus Potter, CEO of Lantra, said commenting on today’s survey launch: “We know that some people face challenges and barriers when trying to get into landscaping. We are also aware of the challenges employers in the industry are facing when hiring new entrants into the landscaping industry. Lantra is committed to supporting both employers, and new entrants, come into the landscaping industry.
“We are pleased to be working with BALI on such an important piece of research so that we can understand those challenges and work together, collaboratively, to encourage and support the new entrants the industry requires over the coming months and years.”
Also commenting on the launch of the research survey, Wayne Grills, Chief Executive of BALI, said: “We know from our members that we are seeing skills shortages within our industry. It is really important for our industry that we get a good understanding of why new entrants take the apprenticeship route, and what barriers they face.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Lantra on this work to ascertain first-hand some of the difficulties faced from those already in the industry. This exciting project will also link into BALI’s GoLandscape Careers initiative of encouraging new entrants into the industry.
“I actively encourage those in the industry, including garden design, landscape build (contractors), maintenance and supply, to play your part and complete the survey today, so that we can collectively grow the skills needed for tomorrow.”
Join in on the conversation at FutureScape
Lantra and BALI will be at FutureScape for the duration of the event and will be happy to answer questions you might have about the research as well as other questions you might have about their work within the industry.