News

Putting Landscape Architects in Control

30th March 2006

A new system of qualification, which adopts the spirit of ‘lifelong learning’ rather than time serving and cramming for a written exam, has been given the go-ahead by the Council of the Landscape Institute, the profession’s governing body.

Following a four year project to plan and pilot the new system, called Pathway to Chartership, the LI Council unanimously voted to introduce the scheme from autumn 2006.

Pathway to Chartership will be launched later this year when the final group qualifies under the old system, the Professional Practice Examination (PPE). From 2007, written exams following a minimum period of workplace experience will be abandoned in favour of a programme of mentored learning and ongoing assessment. This will culminate in an oral exam where success will be the last step to achieving chartered status.

“This is a huge step forward,” said LI president, Professor Kathryn Moore. “The new Pathway focuses on the skills needed in professional life. The new system asks candidates to show that they are ready to join the professional community and develop the skills and tools for lifelong learning.”

The changes result from four years of development and testing by the PPE Working Group which launched a pilot study in 2004. Almost 90% of the candidates who participated in the pilot scheme gained LI chartership and the feedback from mentors, candidates and practices was positive.

Lisa Jenkinson of LDA Design took part in the trials and passed with flying colours: “The new system gave me a real sense of ownership of my learning. Talking through projects with my mentor, analysing and evaluating my work meant that I was able to gain a thorough understanding of my role, the profession and the workplace.”

The mentoring process means that qualified professionals stay in touch with the training of new employees. It gives them the opportunity to have a greater involvement in the development of newcomers and have closer working relationships with more junior members of the practice.

“One of the key features of the new system is that it places candidates in the driving seat,” said Sue Beard, director of education and membership. “They are in control of their study and can plan what they want to achieve, how and by when. This allows candidates to progress at a pace that suits them and their own career, social and familial responsibilities.”

The LI and its branches have worked to put together a series of roadshows, which will tour the country from April, to introduce and explain the Pathway to Chartership to members. More information will be announced on the LI website.

“The Pathway will bring significant changes to training and development within the profession,” concluded Marion Bowman, LI director general. “Participating practices have already reported improved skills levels across the board. It’s crucial for employers to understand the system and how it will better integrate training with business, allowing greater flexibility and productivity while allowing candidates to work and gain chartership.”