by Edward Brown | 23 May 25 | News
Lantra and Landex have extended the nomination deadline for the Land-Based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards.
Earlier this year, the LBEL Awards opened for nominations, celebrating achievements across the sector. This annual event is coordinated by the accreditation body, Lantra, and the ‘Land Based Colleges and Universities Aspiring to Excellence’ organisation, Landex.
On 27 November, the National Conference Centre in Solihull will host this year’s awards ceremony. The event will recognise learners, apprentices and researchers in fields ranging from horticulture and arboriculture to veterinary nursing, landscape and environmental conservation.
The organisers have decided, due to a record number of nominations, to extend the nomination deadline to 11:59 pm on Sunday 22 June.
From private trainers to university programs, the ceremony in November will honour top performers at every level, including apprenticeships (Levels 2-3) and higher education (Levels 4-7). Postgraduate students will also have a dedicated Master’s and Doctoral category. There will be additional overall awards for: Research Student of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Overall Winner and Runners Up.
Though beyond celebrating individual students’ achievements, the LBEL Awards hope to attract new talent into the land-based and environmental sectors.
Head of communications at Lantra, Clegg Bamber, says: “The purpose of the LBEL Awards is to shine a spotlight on the brilliant talent and dedication of those in the land-based and environment sector. We have seen some brilliant nominations so far, and recognising this time of year where colleges, training providers and employers are busy with assessments and preparing students for exams.
“Lantra and Landex are extending the nominations deadline to ensure everyone has enough time to submit good quality nominations, ensuring learners and apprentices are recognised for their efforts and commitment to their studies.”
Nominations can be submitted online via Lantra’s website, as the quicker, more sustainable option. Alternatively, paper forms can be requested by emailing lbels@lantra.co.uk.
by Bethany Vann | 25 Nov 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Domestic Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, News
The winners of the Land-Based and Environment Learner of the Year 2024 revealed at a ceremony that took place at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on Thursday 21 November.
Organised by training and qualification body, Lantra and membership organisation for land-based colleges, Landex, the ceremony celebrated the talent and achievements across multiple land-based and environment sectors.
It’s no secret the land-based and environment sectors are tackling an on-going skill and labour shortage, these awards aim to shine a light on the future sector professionals, inspiring others to join the ranks.
The event was hosted by Danny Clarke, also known as the Black Gardener, a celebrity garden designer, who himself changed from a career in sales to a career in horticulture and garden design.
Commenting on the awards ceremony, Prof John Moverley OBE, chair of judges for the LBEL Awards, says: “It’s been another fantastic year where we have been able to celebrate the success of learners and apprentices within our sector. We had 196 nominations this year, which was brilliant! There are so many inspiring stories from nominations and it’s an honour to be able to celebrate their achievements and passion this evening. Congratulations to all winners and finalists!”
The winners are as follows:
Agriculture
Sponsored by the Co-op Group
Apprentice of the Year
Riley Oliver
FE Learner of the Year
Erin Wright
Agriculture and Horticulture
Sponsored by the Co-op Group
HE Learner of the Year
Matthew Lee
Aquaculture and Fisheries Management
Sponsored by the Co-op Group
FE Learner of the Year
Adam Burgess
Animal Care and Management
Sponsored by Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Apprentice of the Year
Madeline Dunlop
FE Learner of the Year
Carter Carter
Animal Studies
Sponsored by Redwings Horse Sanctuary
HE Learner of the Year
Tobias Holmes
Arb, Forestry and Woodland Management
Apprentice of the Year
Garent Jenkinson
Environment Conservations, Game, and Wildlife Management
Sponsored by the British Association of Shooting and Conservation
Apprentice of the Year
William Roberts
FE Learner of the Year
Monique Scott
HE Learner of the Year
Felicity Anna Blakiston Jones
Equine and Farriery
Sponsored by The Pony Club
Apprentice of the Year
Rosie Dobson
FE Learner of the Year
James Bowen
Equine and Veterinary Nursing
Sponsored by The Pony Club
HE Learner of the Year
Jordan Ratcliffe
Floristry
Sponsored by Interflora
Apprentice of the Year
Oliver Low
FE Learner of the Year
Charlotte Briggs
Landscape and Horticulture
Sponsored by the British Association of Landscape Industries
Apprentice of the Year
Carrigan Raven Williams
FE Learner of the Year
Elle Hepburn
Land-based Engineering
Sponsored by We Are Land Based Engineering
Apprentice of the Year
Kristiaan James Hughes
Sports Turf and Greenkeeping
Sponsored by GroundsFest
Apprentice of the Year
Craig Jordan
FE Learner of the Year
Matthew Tofts
Veterinary Nursing
Sponsored by Blue Cross
Apprentice of the Year
Megan Hill
FE Learner of the Year
Chloe Millar
Research Student of the Year
Zoe Sweetman
Overall Apprentice of the Year
Rosie Dobson
Overall Learner of the Year
Erin Wright
Attention now turns to 2025, where the team from Lantra and Landex are preparing for the nomination window to open again. More news around next year’s awards will be shared in 2025.
by Aidan Williams, British Association of Landscape Industries | 16 Oct 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Domestic Landscaping, News
Update: The deadline has now been extended to 1 December.
Lantra and the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), have announced a partnership on a research project which will explore to the barriers to apprenticeships at landscaping businesses across the UK.
The research project, titled; Bringing New Entrants into Landscaping, will also propose solutions to bring new entrants into the industry and was launched yesterday at FutureScape.
“We know that some people face challenges and barriers when trying to get into landscaping,” says Marcus Potter, CEO of Lantra.
“We are also aware of the challenges employers in the industry are facing when hiring new entrants into the landscaping industry. Lantra is committed to supporting both employers, and new entrants, come into the landscaping industry.
“We are pleased to be working with BALI on such an important piece of research so that we can understand those challenges and work together, collaboratively, to encourage and support the new entrants the industry requires over the coming months and years.”
On the same day, Marcus Potter, CEO of Lantra; Wayne Grills, chief executive of BALI; and Charles Blumlein, founder and managing director of Location Landscapes took part in a panel discussion highlighting the need for the research and to discuss the importance of getting new entrants into the industry.
Alongside the survey, work will be undertaken to look at the data of apprenticeship uptake and completion over the last five years.
Wayne Grills, chief executive of BALI, says: “We know from our members that we are seeing skills shortages within our industry. It is really important for our industry that we get a good understanding of why new entrants take the apprenticeship route, and what barriers they face.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Lantra on this work to ascertain first-hand some of the difficulties faced from those already in the industry. This exciting project will also link into BALI’s GoLandscape Careers initiative of encouraging new entrants into the industry.
“I actively encourage those in the industry, including garden design, landscape build (contractors), maintenance and supply, to play your part and complete the survey today, so that we can collectively grow the skills needed for tomorrow.”
The research project survey, which can be taken here, will remain open until the end of 1 December and for any questions about the research you can contact research@lantra.co.uk.
Elsewhere, tickets are still on sale for the LBEL awards, which Lantra is running in collaboration with Landex next month.
by Aidan Williams | 26 Sep 24 | News
Tickets are now available to purchase for the 2024 Land-Based and Environment Learner of the Year Awards (LBELs) on 21st November at the National Conference Centre, in Birmingham.
The LBELs, a talent recognition programme organised by Lantra and Landex, has seen over 195 high-quality nominations this year, highlighting the dedication and commitment of learners to their respective sectors.
The programme is a celebration of excellence in the land-based and environment industries and aims to recognise outstanding learners who have made an impact in growing their career within their sector.
“We have received some incredible nominations this year, with learners being put forward from all parts of the land-based and environment sector,” says Marcus Potter, CEO of Lantra.
“I’m looking forward to being able to celebrate the efforts and achievements of the finalists at the awards evening in November.
“It is an honour for Lantra to spotlight and celebrate the incredible talent we have, and the achievements we see, across all parts of our sector.”
The awards also highlight the innovative skills, dedication, and passion of the students and apprentices.
The evening is set to be hosted by inspiring, celebrity garden designer, Danny Clarke (aka The Black Gardener), who will also give a keynote about his career within horticulture and garden design.
Alongside the keynote, guests will hear the inspiring stories from the finalists.
Alex Payne, CEO of Landex paid tribute to the nominees and says it’ll be a memorable evening.
Payne says: “We have received some truly inspiring nominations this year from land-based colleges, universities, and employers. It’s been fantastic to see the diversity in the achievements of learners and to hear of how they’re making a positive impact in their industries.
“I am looking forward to being able to celebrate the learners’ achievements at our awards evening in November, for what is set to be a memorable evening.”
Tickets are limited to join Landex and Lantra in celebrating the upcoming and future leaders of the land-based and environment sector, and can be bought via its website.
by Aidan Williams | 21 Aug 24 | News
Pro Landscaper will be an official media partner for the upcoming Land-based and Environment Learner (LBEL) of the Year Awards.
The LBEL Awards is a prestigious event, that is a collaboration between Lantra and Landex, celebrating the exceptional talent, dedication, and achievements of learners across the land-based and environment sectors.
Hosted at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, the awards ceremony will take place on 21 November.
Marcus Potter, CEO of Lantra, says: “Pro Landscaper’s involvement with the LBEL Awards this year is a great addition to the programme.
“Their expertise and coverage of the landscaping, horticulture, sports turf, and greenkeeping sectors will bring invaluable visibility to the incredible talent the awards programme recognises.”
Alex Payne, CEO of Landex, adds: “Having Pro Landscaper Magazine as an official media partner for the LBEL Awards this year is a fantastic addition. The magazine continuously supports and champions the horticulture and landscaping sector, so it is invaluable to have their support for our talent recognition programme.”
Through this media partnership, Pro Landscaper will provide coverage of the awards, including the ceremony, and exclusive interviews with the award winners of the landscape and horticulture, and the sports turf and greenkeeping, categories, showcasing their contributions to the land-based sector.
The 2024 LBEL Awards has seen more than 190 learners nominated, with many students and apprentices nominated across the land-based and environment sector.
Nina Mason, head of content at Pro Landscaper, praised the awards for their ability to see the quality of talent coming into the industry.
Mason says: “It’s a privilege to be a media partner of the LBEL Awards which recognise the remarkable talent entering the land-based industries, including landscape and horticulture.
“The winners of these awards will be the ones to watch – the rising stars in their various sectors. We’re thrilled to be a part of this incredible initiative and wish all the entrants the very best of luck.”
The awards aim to bring together employers, land-based colleges, industry leaders, and rising stars of the land-based and environment sectors in an evening of celebration.
by Bethany Vann | 14 Jun 24 | Domestic Landscaping, Long Reads
In November 2023, Abigail Bradshaw was announced as the Land-based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Award winner for Landscaping and Horticulture.
Bradshaw has been studying at Shuttleworth College – part of the Bedford College Group – where she is undertaking the Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative.
Pro Landscaper and land-based training body, Lantra, caught up with Bradshaw to discuss how her studies and career trajectory has changed since winning the LBEL Award.
What did it mean to you to find out you had been nominated for an LBEL Award and to be selected as a finalist?
“Coming into horticulture was a career change for me, and so to hear that I had been nominated and selected as a finalist for the LBEL Awards really encouraged me in the decision I’d made and gave me the opportunity to reflect on all that I had learnt and achieved in the last couple of years. A big thank you to my college tutor who had put me forward for the award!”
What did it mean to you to win the LBEL for the Landscaping and Horticulture category in 2023?
“It was so wonderful to receive the award, and to have those who had supported me and been part of my horticultural journey, so far, celebrating with me.”
What impact has winning the LBEL Award had on you since the ceremony in 2023?
“I’ve certainly felt spurred on in my work that I’m doing, and it helped me to realise that I enjoy learning new things. I am looking forward to furthering my studies to help me in my career in gardening.”
The 2024 nomination window for the LBEL Awards has been extended to 11:50pm on Sunday 30 June 2024, with winners to be announced at the National Conference in Birmingham on 21 November.
Learners need to be nominated by their tutors, lecturers, supervisors, employers, or assessors. To nominate someone, visit: www.lantra.co.uk/what-we-do/learner-of-the-year-awards
by The Pro Landscaper Team | 16 May 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Long Reads
Katie’s career path is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion. Initially carving a path in the retail sector, including a significant role as an assistant manager at a Laura
Ashley store, Katie’s career took a meaningful turn after her daughter was born.
Seeking a change, she found herself drawn to the green embrace of horticulture—a field that resonated with her childhood memories of gardening and vegetable growing, inspired by her parents.
An opportunity presented itself at Stowe, where a friend’s recommendation led to a part-time assistant manager role, eventually guiding her to the garden department, marking the beginning of her horticultural voyage.
Embarking on an apprenticeship
Katie’s decision to pursue an apprenticeship with the National Trust in horticulture at the historic gardens at Stowe was influenced by the desire for a balanced learning experience covering both a range of practical
Katie on site at Stowe.
skills at Stowe and learning at Plumpton College that would allow her to earn while honing her skills.
Anna Tolfree is Katie’s line manager at Stowe. She is the senior gardener at Stowe and was the person who gave Katie the most guidance during her apprenticeship.
Katie chose an apprenticeship over other educational routes for its flexibility and practical benefits. This journey not only equipped her with valuable knowledge but also forged strong friendships among fellow apprentices and enriched her job with hands-on practice.
Katie is one of the first apprentices in England who has successfully achieved the revised Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2 v1.1 apprenticeship, completing her End Point Assessment through Lantra, as an End Point Assessment Organisation for the land-based sector.
Sustainability champion and aspirations
As a sustainability champion, Katie is keenly aware of the future, especially in the context of climate change. Her role involves meticulous planning of gardening tasks with a team of dedicated volunteers, underscoring her leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship.
With ambitions to ascend the horticultural career ladder, Katie has now progressed from assistant to gardener role at Stowe. Her next career step would be to Senior Gardener, and she may in the future undertake further educational advancements to enable her to progress.
At the moment she explains how she loves horticulture and that she is very keen on nurturing the next generation of apprentices at Stowe.
National Trust Stowe is currently applying for funding for this with her name on the application as mentor. This is a powerful message of how important it is to develop the next generation of gardeners to support the needs of gardens, both public and private across the United Kingdom.
A profile in resilience and growth
Katie’s narrative is a powerful illustration of how career transitions, fuelled by passion and resilience, can lead to fulfilling and impactful work. Her journey from the fast-paced and competitive retail sector to the nurturing grounds of horticulture reflects a deep-seated commitment to personal and professional development.
Through her apprenticeship, Katie has not only advanced her expertise but also become a beacon of sustainability, advocating for a greener future. Her story is a compelling showcase of the benefits of apprenticeships in horticulture, highlighting the blend of practical learning, career advancement, and the joy of working close to nature.
Written by lead assessor at Lantra for horticulture apprenticeships.
by Bethany Vann | 07 Feb 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, Long Reads
With the demand for environmental jobs likely to rise inline with the uptake in green policies being rolled out, the sector is now more so than ever trying to get more people through the metaphorical door to tackle the ever looming labour shortage.
Lantra is one such company, which last year undertook research with over 550 employers to gather insight into more what can be done to bring people into agriculture- now the training body is looking to see if the same appetite is prevalent within the landscaping sector.
Director of external relations at Lantra, Corrina Urquhart
Director of external relations at Lantra, Corrina Urquhart says the company’s research found “a high appetite for apprenticeships on farms,” but unfortunately around 90% of employers surveyed “need[ed] help and support.”
The “land-based industry is dominated by micro- and small businesses” which Urquhart says are in “need for an approach that de-risk[s] apprenticeships” for them- in turn creating more opportunities for people entering the sector.
“By piloting new approaches, Lantra hopes to bring in new entrants from diverse backgrounds, as well as aid retention and the development of existing workers in the land-based industries.”
She goes on to say there is a need for more “creative approaches to ensure young people are guided and supported into vocational training as a valued pathway into a career.”
“For too long there has been a focus on getting young people into university, without considering the other options that exist.”
Reaching the younger generation requires a “collaborative effort across the industry so that we can compete with other industries that are investing in large-scale recruitment campaigns.”
Employer Toolkit
Lantra’s Employer Toolkit
In an effort to support businesses take on an apprenticeship, Lantra has released its new Employer Toolkit inline with National Apprenticeship Week.
The kit delivers a “simple ‘how-to’ guide, with practical guidance on what an apprenticeship is, what is involved and the steps that should be taken to find and employ one.”
The company hopes this new tool will “ultimately help with the labour and skills shortages the industry faces.”
Lantra’s research shows apprenticeships to be “under-utilised” in the land-based sectors, despite the practical nature of each in theory going hand-in-hand.
Are apprenticeships in need of a reform?
In addition to its new Toolkit, Lantra “could trial new methods for the delivery of apprenticeship training, whether that is via a flexible approach to full apprenticeship programmes or experimenting with shorter, work-ready training over a six-month period.”
“A flexible approach to apprenticeships could see employers sharing an apprentice due to the seasonality of work.”
Lantra’s chair of trustees, Dr David Llewellyn CBE, recently gave evidence in parliament on this, laying out what an apprenticeship reform in England could look like- this includes support
for other types of training and in particular, the increased use of short-course training.
Urquhart at Lantra comments that a flexible approach to apprenticeships could see employers sharing an apprentice due to the seasonality of work. While “flexibility would allow work readiness training which is traditionally spread across the duration of the programme (12-18 months), condensed into a front-loaded model, which means the employer benefits from a trained individual with relevant operator tickets from the get-go.”
Want to take part?
While the company’s initial research focuses on farm centric businesses, it is seeking feedback from professionals in the landscaping sector to understand whether the “same appetite for apprentices” as a way to bring career seekers and changers into the sector is present.
Feedback can be emailed to research@lantra.co.uk.
by Bethany Vann | 17 Jan 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, News
A “flexible” and “joined-up” approach is necessary to resolve the workforce issues impacting the land-based sector, Lantra has told a committee of MPs.
Speaking before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee, the land-based and environmental training body’s chair of trustees, Dr David Llewellyn CBE gave insight into which labour shortages should be addressed to build a more resilient sector.
The Committee is already exploring the relationship between education and the land-based industries and whether learners are being properly equipped with the required skills and knowledge.
The inquiry is also considering what more can be done to facilitate new entrants into the land-based sector.
Dr Llewellyn CBE, who was also a member of the Independent Review of Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain, told MPs, “It is vital that we provide a skilled workforce and bring new entrants into a sector that is central to meeting the twin challenges of food security and climate change.”
He adds that recent research shows “apprenticeships are under-utilised in the land-based industries” but with the right approach for “a sector dominated by micro-and small businesses, there is every prospect that new entrants could be brought into the workforce.”
Calling on the support of EFRA, Dr Llewellyn says “Lantra could trial new methods for the delivery of apprenticeship training, whether that is via a flexible approach to full apprenticeship programmes or experimenting with shorter, work-ready training over a 6-month period.
“In parallel, we need to ensure that our current workforce has up-to-date skills and knowledge to operate safely, effectively and sustainably.”
Referring to the industry backing for a reformed apprenticeship levy in England, he adds “that would also support other types of training and, in particular, the increased use of short-course training.”
Recent reports show that almost £100m of apprenticeship levy and Department for Education funds were unspent or returned to the Treasury for general expenditure in the 2022/23 financial year.
Dr Llewellyn says this “demonstrates that there is scope for this reform.”
by Bethany Vann | 25 Jul 23 | News, Sustainability, Topics
Land-based accrediting organisation, Lantra has appointed three new members to its board of trustees.
The new trustees include Trefor Owens, a chartered forester and senior leader in sustainable land management, with experience sitting on land-based industry committees and advisory boards for organisations, including Forestry and Land Scotland, Defra and Welsh Government.
Also joining the board is Euryn Jones, regional agricultural director for HSBC with prior experience in the education sector through the role of agricultural lecturer, and a background in the position of farms director.
Helen Taylor, a committee advisor and chartered surveyor with governance experience across the UK’s public and private sectors, is the third new member.
David Llewelyn, who took over as Lantra chair of trustees in 2022 says: “Lantra works tirelessly to address the needs of the land-based and environment sector, anyone working in the sector will appreciate these needs are ever changing and often complex.
“It is critical that we have the breadth of skills and experience on the board to guide and support the staff team in delivering the charity’s purpose. I’m confident that the new trustees joining us today bring expertise and knowledge to complement our existing members and contribute to Lantra’s continued success.”
