Looking to join the landscape profession by training in an apprenticeship scheme? Here’s what you need to know.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship combines work, training, and study, letting you ‘earn while you learn’. It’s another way of getting the skills, knowledge and experience needed to pursue a particular career.

Split 80-20 between work and study, apprenticeships are available in many fields. As an apprentice, you’ll be paid for the work you do. Your off-the-job training could take many forms: going to university one day a week, completing online training, or meeting up with a local study group, for instance.

If you have a clear idea of the career path you want to follow, apprenticeships are an ideal option – providing you with practical, on-the-job training and classroom-based instruction.

And soon, landscape apprenticeships will be available

Two types of landscape apprenticeships are in the works:

Level 3 (Landscape technician)

Landscape technicians support colleagues in designing, creating or managing spaces in both natural and built environments. They work to meet project requirements and help protect, conserve and enhance natural and built environments for the benefit of the people, place and nature.

Using a wide range of technical skills, landscape technicians are at the forefront of technological innovation.

The only entry requirement for this apprenticeship is that learners achieve a GCSE Maths and English grade of C before completing the apprenticeship. They should show a real passion for and interest in landscape

Completing this apprenticeship should take around 2 years.

Level 7 (Landscape professional)

Landscape professionals design, create or manage spaces in both natural and built environments. They provide innovative outdoor places for people to enjoy and make sure that any changes to the natural environment are appropriate, sensitive and sustainable. They have innate curiosity in, and a desire to enhance, natural and built environments of all kinds.

Chartered landscape professionals work in many sectors and at many scales – from strategic planning on a national scale to small-scale planting designs for homeowners.

Who is this route for?

  • Students who have completed the level 3 Landscape technician apprenticeship
  • Students who have completed their A-levels
  • Graduates who have already completed a degree and are looking to convert into the landscape profession

Completing this apprenticeship should take up to around 5 years, depending on your experience.

How much does it cost to do an apprenticeship?

There are no student fees for an apprenticeship – your training costs are funded by the government and your employer. Your employer will also pay you a wage.

When and where can I sign up for a landscape apprenticeship?

We are still awaiting government approval for landscape apprenticeships. We hope that they will be ready for delivery in 2020.

In the first year, a smaller number of apprenticeship places will be available at certain locations in England. After that, we hope to see more apprenticeships on offer, as well as similar apprenticeship schemes in other parts of the UK.

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