Educational reforms have created new opportunities for people to enter the landscape profession. Along with its Trailblazer group, the LI designed the level three Landscape Technician apprenticeship which was approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships in 2020 and is delivered by Capel Manor College.
The level seven Landscape Professional apprenticeship was also approved in 2020 and the LI is currently working to establish delivery partners. If your organisation is interested in delivering the level 7 Landscape Professional apprenticeship, please email careers@landscapeinstitute.org.
Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to future-proof the landscape sector:
- They broaden the pathways into the industry
- They shape education routes and help develop new talent
- They improve accessibility to, and diversity within, the profession
All of this will help us address the skills shortage in landscape and empower our members to continue delivering for the benefit of people, place and nature.
Apprentices undertake study while also working within the industry. This enables apprentices to directly apply cutting-edge knowledge within their roles. Employers support apprentices from enrolment to qualification, with a recognised, government-funded credential boosting their career development prospects. This enables businesses to attract a diverse range of talented people and support them in becoming landscape professionals.
How apprenticeships can benefit your practice
✔ Streamline your processes. Apprentices free up time for more experienced practitioners to concentrate on your major projects.
✔ Attract new business. According to National Apprenticeship Service data, 81% of consumers favour using a company that takes on apprentices.
✔ Meet your company’s skill needs. Staff receive training tailored to the requirements of your business, including specialist skills. On-the-job learning minimises disruption and maximises impact.
✔ Solve recruitment challenges. Companies receive funding for each apprentice they take on. Save on recruitment costs and future-proof your own workforce by growing and shaping your own experts.
✔ Improve your business culture. Gain new perspectives; open progression opportunities in your firm, motivating your staff and energising your workplace; and reduce staff turnover
✔ Help shape the future of the industry.
Introducing the Landscape Trailblazer
Employer groups called ‘trailblazers’ develop the standards that determine apprentices’ job roles. This approach leads to recognised, relevant and transferable skills and qualifications. Trailblazer groups are at the forefront of creating new apprenticeship standards, with hundreds in existence or development.
The Landscape Trailblazer first came together in October 2017.
Supporters
Amey
Arup
BDP
Capita
Farrer Huxley Associates
Fira Landscape Architecture
Gillespies LLP
Highways England
LDA Design
LHC
Land Use Consultants (LUC)
Meiloci
Munro and Whitten
Re-Form
The Environment Partnership (TEP)
The Landscape Practice Group
Birmingham City Council
Townshend
Tyler Grange LLP
Wilder Associates
Winchester City Council
Understanding the levy and apprenticeship funding
On 6 April 2017, the government introduced a new apprenticeship levy with the aim of funding three million apprenticeship starts by 2020.
The levy, which is 0.5% of a company’s annual pay bill, applies to companies with a payroll of more than £3 million. This funding contributes to the training and assessment of new apprenticeships, but organisations will still pay apprentices’ wages.
Companies that do not meet the levy threshold have the option to ‘co-invest’, with the government meeting up to 90-100% of the training costs. This is a huge incentive for many landscape and placemaking practices.
Latest apprenticeship updates
Landscape apprenticeships: November 2020 update
The latest on landscape apprenticeships - including the Level 3 Landscape Technician apprenticeship, now available for online delivery via Capel Manor College
A huge step forward for landscape apprenticeships
Landscape apprenticeships in England are a step closer following government approval of the Landscape Technician and Chartered Landscape Professional apprenticeship standards
LI consults members on landscape apprenticeships and member categories
Members' views will help the LI remain a relevant and supportive professional body for the landscape sector
The Future State of Landscape – addressing diversity challenges
Romy Rawlings CMLI, Chair of the LI's Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, shares her thoughts on the lack of diversity in the profession highlighted by the recently published State of Landscape survey results
