The landscaping, horticulture and arboriculture industries are evolving rapidly. Demand for skilled, reliable people continues to grow, while businesses face increasing pressure to deliver high-quality work, meet environmental standards and build a workforce equipped for the future.
At the same time, attracting, developing and retaining new talent remains one of the biggest challenges facing employers across the sector.
At Merrist Wood College and University Centre, part of Activate Learning, we believe education and industry have to work together to address that challenge.
Based in Surrey and at the heart of land-based education, Merrist Wood College has a long history of delivering practical, career-focused training. Our aim is to provide a pipeline of skilled, work-ready talent for the industries we serve, developing people who are technically capable and understand the expectations of real working environments.
Training shaped by industry
Hands-on learning is central to the Merrist Wood College experience.
Across landscaping, horticulture and arboriculture, our students and apprentices develop practical skills in environments designed to reflect the workplace, using techniques, equipment and approaches informed by current industry practice.
But preparing people for employment is about more than technical ability.
Through our relationships with employers, we develop our training around the needs of businesses and the wider sector. Industry input helps inform not only what our learners do, but the professional behaviours, confidence and understanding they need to contribute effectively in the workplace.
Partner with Merrist Wood College
We see employers as more than recruiters. They are partners in developing the next generation of talent.
Whether you are a small business looking to grow your team or a larger organisation planning your long-term workforce needs, there are a number of ways to work with Merrist Wood College and University Centre.
You can:
- Recruit apprentices, developing people within your business while they work towards recognised skills and qualifications.
- Offer T Level industry placements, giving students valuable workplace experience while providing your business with early access to emerging talent.
- Engage with students through talks, demonstrations, site visits and other activities, raising awareness of your organisation and career opportunities.
- Help shape our curriculum, sharing your expertise and insight so that education continues to respond to the changing needs of the sector.
By getting involved, you are not simply recruiting talent. You are helping to shape it.
Building your workforce for the future
Apprenticeships and industry placements can help businesses address immediate workforce needs while creating a stronger pipeline of talent for the future.
Apprenticeships enable employers to develop people around the skills their organisation needs, combining workplace experience with structured training and development.
T Level industry placements provide another opportunity to engage with people preparing to enter the sector. Employers can give students meaningful experience, build relationships with potential future recruits and help young people understand what a successful career in the industry looks like.
For businesses thinking about succession planning, recruitment or future skills needs, partnering with education can become an important part of a longer-term workforce strategy.
Meet Merrist Wood College at FutureScape 2026
If you’re attending FutureScape 2026, come and speak to the Merrist Wood College and University Centre team.
Whether you’re actively recruiting, considering apprenticeships for the first time or interested in supporting the next generation entering landscaping, horticulture and arboriculture, we’d love to hear about the opportunities and challenges facing your business.
Our team can help you:
- Explore ways to recruit and develop talent
- Discuss your current and future workforce needs
- Find out more about apprenticeships and T Level industry placements
- Explore opportunities to engage directly with our students
- Discuss how your industry expertise could help shape future training
Let’s grow the future of the industry together
A thriving landscaping, horticulture and arboriculture sector needs a strong pipeline of skilled people.
By bringing employers and education together, we can give learners the experience and skills they need to build successful careers while helping businesses develop the workforce they need to grow.
Come and meet Merrist Wood College and University Centre at FutureScape 2026 and find out how we could work together.
Find out more about apprenticeships with Activate Apprenticeships and working with Activate Learning.
