Major landscaping apprenticeship partnership launched

The programme, which sees Myerscough College join forces with the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), has an intake of ten learners, who this week came together for an intensive, five day ‘Bootcamp’.

The partnership between the APL, Myerscough College and the Landscape Skills Academy brings together industry standards, apprenticeship expertise and training excellence under one roof. The programme will also expose the apprentices to the latest products, tools, equipment and practice, to fully prepare them for a career in the profession in line with both current and future industry needs.

The scheme, which represents a first for the sector, has a clear vision to produce the next generation of landscaping professionals with the skills and competences to thrive within the workplace. So far, in excess of eight employers from across the country have invested in the new programme.

Penny Evans is the APL Learning and Careers Manager, and said: ‘’The APL Apprenticeship Programme has defined the standards to be met and shaken up the delivery model moving away from day release to intensive five day training Bootcamps focusing on technical skills, personal responsibility and team working and a dose of inspiration.”

Lee Price, Employer Services Manager at Myerscough College said: “We are delighted to officially launch this exciting new apprenticeship model. With the support of the APL and the Landscape Skills Academy the learning journey for the new apprentices will I know be an exciting one.

‘’This is another example of how we are working closely with industry to deliver an apprenticeship that delivers exactly what is required for individuals to flourish and develop. I wish all the new apprentices the best of luck on their adventure.” 

The Landscape Skills Academy was set up by RHS award winner, Jody Lidgard, who is no stranger to Myerscough College, having been a guest speaker at a networking event held on the campus earlier this year. Jody said: ‘’I’ve been in the industry for 18 years and have a passion for sharing knowledge, which has led to the setting up of the Landscape Skills Academy.

‘’There’s a gap in the market where colleges and educational establishments have been slow to fill and so these programmes will be focusing on various aspects of the industry based on the World Skills ethos of training to excellence.

‘’The focus is definitely ‘hands on’, underpinned with theory work. The aim is to produce our first generation of Landscape specialists and strive to evolve from a generalist approach to the industry.

‘’With the combination of professional delivery and course management from Myerscough College, working closely with our industry based team.   We are forging the first cohort of landscape construction learners who will not only be ‘work ready’, but more importantly have the skills to propel their companies forward into an increasingly buoyant market place”.