BBC Gardeners’ World Presenter launches TASK Landscape Training Academy
Based in Worcestershire, West Midlands, TASK (Training Academy for Skills and Knowledge) is a brand new, independent landscaping and land-based training academy, servicing both industry professionals and members of the public.
Run by multi award-winning industry professional Rupert Keys (Keyscape Design & Construction Ltd), alongside a specially curated cohort of industry professionals, the TASK Academy offers a broad range of LANTRA accredited landscaping courses. These are delivered through practical, hands-on learning days, in small groups, spanning one to two days including bespoke courses.
The landscaping industry has grown 18% in less than 10 years and contributes £1billion to the UK economy. This pace of growth has led to a skills gap within the landscaping and land-based industries. A lack of training facilities, such as TASK, has led to employers experiencing significant difficulty when attempting to either upskill their current workforce or recruit trained personnel.
TASK has been set up to tackle this issue and help futureproof the industry. Founder and Managing Director Rupert said: “At TASK we recognise the importance and need for quality training and our future focus is to work with students and employers to address the industry skills gap by providing a wide range of practical landscaping courses taught by industry experts.
We are committed to improving the skills of current and future generations and we hope by providing high quality professional hands-on training courses, students will develop or build on their skills and knowledge to help them further their careers in the landscaping and horticultural industries.
Our public courses include a range of one day courses which are perfectly suited to garden enthusiasts and those wanting to acquire new skills and save money in their DIY garden projects.”
Frances Tophill, friend of TASK and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter officially opened the Academy on Saturday 10th September by unveiling a plaque commemorating the launch.
Frances said: “I feel incredibly privileged and grateful to have learnt so much from Rupert and his team. I have experienced, first hand, his patience, kindness and encyclopaedic knowledge that led to our Platinum Award and Best In Show garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live this year. I know that the TASK Academy will be a real asset to our industry and I wholeheartedly support its growth and longevity.”
Courses will take place at the Academy’s headquarters in Birlingham, Worcestershire.
This new training facility has been taking shape over the last few years and is now fully equipped to the highest standard with a fully adapted indoor training barn designed with a purpose-built classroom as well as outdoor teaching spaces adapted to offer practical hands on training.
Current courses on offer include:
General Landscaping
Introduction to Brick Laying
Porcelain Paving Installation
Natural Stone Paving
Low Voltage Garden Lighting Training for Landscapers
General Landscaping for Garden Designers
Irrigation Systems Training for Landscapers
Decking – all you need to know!
Block Paving Installation
Turf sourcing, laying and immediate aftercare
Dry Stone Walling
Brickwork & Paving - General Landscaping Skills
Block Paving & Porcelain - General Landscaping
Decking & Fencing - General Landscaping Skills
Introduction to Brick Laying
Introduction to Dry Stone Walling
Garden Design – the basics
Christmas Wreath Workshops
