Apprenticeship opportunities in the landscape profession
Looking to join the landscape profession by training in an apprenticeship scheme? Here’s what you need to know.
What is an apprenticeship?
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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More information
Edinburgh students win top international landscape prize
A group of five female students at Edinburgh College of Art won their department the title ‘Best International Landscape Architecture School’ at the Barcelona International Biennial of Landscape Architecture 2018.
Final-year students Yifan Hu, Emily Cropton, Molly Gordon, Marta Gioffre and Theoni Zompola were one of 78 student teams to submit a portfolio of their work to the competition. ECA topped a shortlist of 9 world-renowned schools, including Harvard Undergraduate School of Design, Oslo School of Architecture and Design, and Beijing Forestry University.
'Slow, deliberate and critical'
Lisa MacKenzie, Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture at ECA, said:
‘We are so very proud to have been awarded this incredible prize. In the last three years, my colleagues and I have supported our students in returning to a slow, deliberate and critical reading of their sites, mainly achieved through drawing and making. We have rejected the ‘throw down’ of ideas that do not evolve and do not belong in place.
”Our strongest work this year came from 5 strong, talented young women who will go on to do great things.’
Lisa MacKenzie, Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture, ECA
‘Our strongest work this year came from 5 strong, talented young women who will go on to do great things. We are so encouraged and motivated by the award, and hope that you will hear and see much more from Edinburgh soon.’
About the International Biennial of Landscape Architecture
Every two years, the Landscape Biennial devotes several days to discussing and studying landscape. In began in 1999 as the European Landscape Biennial, before opening itself to international landscapes in 2014.
Find landscape courses in Edinburgh
| Course Provider | Location | Course name | What type of course is it? | Career path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Gloucestershire | Cheltenham, UK | Landscape Architecture – MA | Postgraduate | Landscape architect |
| University College London (UCL) | London, UK | MA Landscape Architecture | Postgraduate | Landscape Architect |
| University College London (UCL) | London, UK | MLA Landscape Architecture | Postgraduate (Conversion) | Landscape Architect |
| University of Sheffield | Sheffield, UK | MLA Master of Landscape Architecture | Undergraduate | Landscape architect |
| Newcastle University | Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK | MA Landscape Architecture | Postgraduate | Landscape Architect |
| Birmingham City University | Birmingham, UK | Landscape Architecture – MA | Postgraduate | Landscape architect |
| Newcastle University | Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK | Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) | Postgraduate | Landscape Architect |
| Birmingham City University | Birmingham, UK | Landscape Architecture – BA (Hons) | Undergraduate | Landscape architect |
| Birmingham City University | Birmingham, UK | Landscape Architecture – MLA | Postgraduate (Conversion) | Landscape architect |
| Kingston University | London, UK | Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) | Postgraduate (Conversion) | Landscape architect |
| Leeds Beckett University | Leeds, UK | BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture and Design | Undergraduate | Landscape architect |
| Leeds Beckett University | Leeds, UK | MA Landscape Architecture | Postgraduate | Landscape architect |
| Leeds Beckett University | Leeds, UK | MLA Landscape Architecture | Postgraduate | Landscape architect |
| Manchester School of Architecture | Manchester, UK | Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) | Postgraduate (Conversion) | Landscape architect |
| University of East London (UEL) | London, UK | PGDip Landscape Architecture | Postgraduate | Landscape architect |
| University of East London (UEL) | London, UK | MA Professional Landscape Architecture | Postgraduate | Landscape architect |
| University of East London (UEL) | London, UK | Professional Landscape Architecture – MA | Postgraduate | Landscape architect |
| University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, UK | MLA Master of Landscape Architecture | Postgraduate (Conversion) | Landscape architect |
| University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, UK | MA (Hons) Landscape Architecture | Undergraduate | Landscape architect |
| University of Gloucestershire | Cheltenham, UK | BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture | Undergraduate | Landscape architect |
| University of Gloucestershire | Cheltenham, UK | Landscape Architecture – MA | Postgraduate (Conversion) | Landscape architect |
| University of Greenwich | Greenwich campus, Royal Hill, London, UK | BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture | Undergraduate | Landscape architect |
| University of Greenwich | London, UK | Landscape Architecture – MA | Postgraduate | Landscape architect |
| University of Greenwich | London, UK | Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) | Postgraduate (Conversion) | Landscape architect |
| University of Sheffield | Sheffield, UK | MA/PGDip Landscape Architecture | Postgraduate (Conversion) | Landscape architect |
| University of Sheffield | Sheffield, UK | BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture | Undergraduate | Landscape architect Landscape planner |
| University of Sheffield | Sheffield, UK | BA (Hons) Architecture and Landscape | Undergraduate | Landscape architect |
Four ways to get involved with #ChooseLandscape
We need everyone to get involved with #ChooseLandscape and introduce as many people as possible to our amazing profession. If you already study or work in landscape, here are some of the ways you can get involved.
Tell the world why you #ChooseLandscape
We’ve created a printable graphic for you to take out into your favourite outdoor space and let the world know why you #ChooseLandscape. Simply download your choice of the colour or mono logo, type in your own message, print it out, and get snapping!
We’d encourage you to take the printout outside your office or home and find somewhere beautiful nearby that you feel shows what landscape is all about. (It could even be one of your own projects.) Once you’ve taken your picture, post it online – and be sure to include the #ChooseLandscape hashtag.
Inspiring videos and images of your project? Share them with the world
Thanks so much to those of you who’ve already been in touch to share your inspiring visuals for the new campaign. The footage and images we’ve received are fantastic – please do keep them coming!
Not only is contributing to our content bank a great way to support a crucial campaign, it also lets you share the story of your project and work with a wider audience. Your images help us inspire, engage and educate younger audiences, and showcase the range of roles and passions in landscape.
To send us your visuals, please download and fill in the #ChooseLandscape visual submissions form (.docx, 122 KB). Then email the form, along with your before and after images, plans and sketches, photographs and any other visuals you’d like to share, to chooselandscape@landscapeinstitute.org.
Write for the #ChooseLandscape blog
Our blog will be go-to hub for young people, career changers, teachers and career professionals wanting to find out more about landscape. We’re looking for top tips and advice articles, career success stories, day-in-the-life blogs and more to help engage new audiences.
Teachers, Ambassadors, students and graduates, career changers and simply people who are inspired by landscape and want to share their passion are all welcome to contribute.
Have an idea for a blog? Want to write, but need help finding the perfect topic? Get in touch and we’ll tell you more about what we’re looking for.
Get involved with upcoming campaigns
Choose Landscape is an ongoing campaign. Here’s a little more about what’s on the horizon for us, and how you might be able to help spread the message:
- Clearing (July to September). We’d like to share insight, tips and success stories to students who are going through clearing this summer, who might not have considered landscape as a potential subject. Did you find your way into landscape through clearing? Let us know through our social channels or get in touch about writing for us.
- #NationalParksWeek (July 24). Do you work for a National Park? Share your stories, projects and ‘day in the life’ snapshots with us on social media.
- UN #InternationalYouthDay (12 August). Share your work on community projects, youth spaces, playgrounds and similar projects to help us highlight the importance of safe, healthy and inclusive places for communities and young people to use.
- #ALevelResults day (16 August) and #GCSEResults day (23 August). Share the #ChooseLandscape message as widely as possible to let students know how they could use their grades to make a real, positive difference in the world!
Thank you for helping us make #ChooseLandscape as successful as possible!
Landscape students wow judges with radical designs for new garden city
Three teams of students have won cash prizes for their inspired ideas.
The competition
The vision for a new city at Ebbsfleet, Kent is ambitious and exciting. 15,000 new homes, 30,000 jobs and seven new parks.
In spring 2018, the Landscape Institute held an international design competition to find bold new design ideas for Ebbsfleet Garden City. Landscape-led teams from across the world took part.
There were two categories: one for professionals working in landscape and related fields, and one for students. On 4 July 2018, the winners of the student competition were announced.
Winner – Park Pavilions (£2,000 cash prize)
Team
- Luke Szokalski – Landscape Architecture MA, Leeds Beckett University
- Robert Hilton – Landscape Architecture MA, Leeds Beckett University
Park Pavilions challenges traditional urban planning by prioritising experience over logistics. This alternative take on the ‘pavilion’ serves the community and complements the Ebbsfleet landscape.
Ebbsfleet’s chalk cliffs and the water bodies of Eastern Quarry are important natural characteristics. These not only promote the dramatic landscape of Ebbsfleet, but offer opportunities to enhance the wellbeing of the users. The study identified four public services that could benefit from an improved natural place setting: the health centre, community centre, primary school and library.
Relocating the health centre to a more natural, tranquil place setting, for example, can have a positive impact on patients mental health and wellbeing. While connecting the primary school to the bordering wetlands can engage children with natural ecosystems from an early age.
Runner-up – Ebbsfleet Backyard Trail (£1,000 cash prize)
Team
- Zongyuan Li – 2nd year MA in Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield
- Yusha Zhou – 1st year MA in Landscape Studies, University of Sheffield
The Backyard Trail is a combined pedestrian and cycling route designed to give Ebbsfleet a ‘healthy circulation’. The route, which starts from Ebbsfleet International station so as to attract people straight off the train, offers visitors and residents a one-day walkable trail.
Circulating all five areas of Ebbsfleet, the 15-mile route takes in 22 sight spots, three urban villages and key natural characteristics, such as the chalk cliffs, the waterfront, marsh fields and tunnels. It also connects to the proposed Ebbsfleet Garden City development, with secondary pathways connecting bus stops and exits to the town, and opportunities to rent public bikes en route.
There is even an option for those who simply want to enjoy the dramatic landscape: take the train. In this proposal, the disused railway track is converted for entertainment, allowing visitors to ride through the historic tunnel and admire the chalk cliffs.
Highly Commended – Self-Healing City (£500 cash prize)
Team
- Catrina Wai Chu Chan – Final year student, MA in Landscape Architecture, University of Gloucestershire
- Melody Suen Chan – Final year student, MA in Landscape Architecture, University of Gloucestershire
- Michelle Yuen Yan Ho – Final year student, MA in Landscape Architecture, University of Gloucestershire
Self-healing is a process of recovery motivated and directed by individuals themselves. The Self-healing City is designed to allow residents to activate and accelerate this process through its passive spatial setting.
The project identifies the three interrelated dimensions of wellbeing as: nutrition (edible landscape); physical activity (playscape); and mental wellbeing (art therapy). This informs its approach to spatial planning. One area is designated as an edible community garden, another – Chalk Quarry Park – is to be rehabilitated to offer active recreation for all ages, from rock climbing to camping. There is also an art and cultural park.
In addition, the Self healing city aims to re-activate the potentialities of the ecosystem. In order to sustain the local environment, remediation and environmental design is planned incuding SUDs, tidal resilient design, food waste system and phytoremediation.