Shortage of landscape architects in UK — LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AOTEAROA

If you’re brave enough to risk any Brexit fallout and are looking for some overseas experience, Britain might be the place to go.

The UK Government has officially acknowledged a skills shortage within the landscape profession. And it’s a move the profession there has been lobbying for.

Landscape architects come under the architect category, which was ranked 7th in the shortage indicators with above-average vacancy rates, according to Britain’s Landscape Institute. Evidence collected from LAs showed that recruitment at senior level was becoming much more difficult in recent years.

Being on the Shortage Occupation List has three main advantages for recruiters, including not having to offer any job to a “settled” or “suitable” worker already in the UK.

Derbyshire. Photo by Sam Johnson from Pexels

Landscape Institute Policy & Influencing manager, Hannah Garrow, writes that the institute is working with universities on accredited courses and with members through its ambassadors programme to promote the benefits of choosing a career as a landscape professional.

A group of employers are also creating apprenticeship programmes in England which will be available from next year. Garrow writes that the institute is committed to exploring similar opportunities in other UK nations.

A Landscape Institute report last year entitled Future of Landscape found that 41% of companies listed recruitment as a key challenge.