Last month, we had the pleasure of welcoming James Lord from HTA Design, alongside Donald Roberts and Michael Grimshaw from EDLA – Landscape Architects, who generously gave their time to support our Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprentices at their in-person Employer Day, at London Design and Engineering UTC.
Employer Days are a vital part of the apprenticeship programme, providing apprentices with the opportunity to engage directly with leading practitioners from across the landscape profession. These sessions help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, giving apprentices valuable insights into the realities of working within the industry and the diverse career opportunities available to them.
Our apprentices benefited enormously from hearing about James, Donald and Michael’s professional experiences, learning about the projects they have been involved in, and gaining an understanding of the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are essential for success in the landscape sector. Their enthusiasm and willingness to share their expertise created an engaging and inspiring learning environment, encouraging apprentices to ask questions, think critically and consider how they can develop their own careers within the profession.
One of the greatest strengths of apprenticeships is the opportunity they provide to combine work-based learning with industry engagement. While apprentices gain practical experience through their employment, Employer Days offer something equally important – the chance to connect with professionals from a range of practices and organisations, and to explore different perspectives within landscape architecture and design.
These interactions are invaluable. They not only enhance technical understanding but also help apprentices build confidence, expand their professional networks and develop a deeper appreciation of the role landscape professionals play in shaping sustainable and resilient places. By bringing together employers, practitioners and apprentices, we are helping to nurture the next generation of talent and ensuring that they are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities facing our profession.
We are incredibly grateful to James Lord, Donald Roberts and Michael Grimshaw for giving up their time to support the programme. Their contribution reflects the collaborative spirit that makes the landscape profession so strong and demonstrates the positive impact that industry involvement can have on emerging professionals.
As the apprenticeship programme continues to grow, we are keen to welcome more practices and organisations to become involved. Whether by participating in an Employer Day, sharing professional experiences, or supporting apprentices through other engagement opportunities, there are many ways for employers to contribute to developing future talent within the sector.
If you are a landscape practice or organisation that would like to support these important experience days, or if you are considering enrolling an employee onto the Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprenticeship, we would love to hear from you. We are always happy to discuss the programme, explain the benefits of apprenticeships and explore how your organisation can get involved.
The next cohort of the Level 3 Landscape Technician Apprenticeship begins in January 2028. With apprenticeship recruitment and workforce planning often requiring forward thinking, now is the perfect time to start the conversation and consider how your organisation can play a role in shaping the future of the landscape profession.
Email us for more information if you are interested in enrolling or supporting – apprenticeships@landscapeinstitute.org
