National apprenticeship week: More government support is needed in horticulture
Apprenticeships are an effective way to attract new talent to industries, blending hands-on experience with classroom learning. Many businesses view apprentices as crucial to their recruitment strategies, providing pathways for new workers and development for current team members.
In 2023, the Environmental Horticulture Group reported the sector supported 722,000 jobs and contributed £38 billion to the UK economy, yet only 3% of landscapers and 1% of retailers and growers were apprentices. The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) aims to address the barriers to apprenticeship uptake as a significant number of the sector consists of SMEs.
The HTA supports the government's plan to reform the apprenticeship levy but emphasizes the need for policies to consider the unique requirements of the environmental horticulture sector.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, HTA members highlighted the importance of apprenticeship schemes. Jai Patel, Operations Manager at Tristram Plants/The Farplants Group, stated that apprenticeships are essential for cultivating future horticultural talent, with over 40 apprentices joining them in six years. Karl O’Neill, Technical Production Manager at Bransford Webbs, emphasized that their successful apprenticeship program has been vital for filling skilled positions and developing future leaders in their team.