The British
Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) careers initiative, GoLandscape,
has forged a partnership with YMCA Training to support their work on delivering
industry apprenticeships in the wake of a 28% shortfall in the number of
apprenticeships being undertaken in the UK.
Along with a
decrease in apprenticeships, the Open
University have recently reported that only 8% of companies in the UK have
drawn from their levy, proving that more support is needed to inspire, educate
and encourage industry employers to understand the benefits of taking on
apprentices as part of their workforce.
YMCA Training -
part of Central YMCA - helps young people find new opportunities through work
and training.
Every year,
thousands of apprentices are trained and go on to build rewarding and
fulfilling careers.
BALI’s Education
Officer, Stephen Ensell, said: “GoLandscape is proud to support YMCA Training
in the industry apprenticeships they offer; their bespoke training means that,
nationally, they can help landscapers develop a workforce that addresses the
skill shortfalls they so desperately need, which in turn helps boost the
economy and grow their own business.
"We are
really looking forward to supporting and working with them in the promotion of
the industry”.
BALI’s GoLandscape
initiative launched nationwide in March 2018 at RHS Garden Wisley and has
already made significant progress in working with employers and industry
colleges to provide more opportunities for school leavers and career changers
to find suitable employment within the landscape industry, where their skills
and knowledge are mapped to the needs of businesses operating in both domestic
and commercial capacities.
