An open letter to the Industry. Who will be doing the job in 10 years’ time?

Help us inspire the next generation of landscaping professionals.

At GroundsFest 2026, Task Academy’s Rupert Keys participated in an important industry discussion entitled “Who will be doing the work in 10 years’ time?” It raised vital questions about the future of landscaping, the skills our industry needs and how we attract the next generation of talent.

But the conversation shouldn’t end when the event finishes. It inspired us at Task Academy to turn that discussion into action and invite the whole industry to help change perceptions of landscaping careers.

We know this is an exciting, creative and technically demanding industry, with a growing role in creating greener, healthier places. Yet how many school leavers understand the opportunities available? Landscaping is about much more than laying paving, planting trees or cutting grass. Alongside skilled practical roles, our businesses need people in design, logistics, marketing, accountancy, business development, sales, technology, estimating and project management.

There really is a place for all kinds of talent. Rather than simply talking about future skills needs, we want to do something about them.

Introducing #YourFutureInLandscaping

Task Academy is launching a collaborative campaign to showcase the people, careers and opportunities that make landscaping such a rewarding industry. We invite landscape contractors, garden designers, construction businesses, suppliers, recruiters, training providers and professional bodies to help us reach young people, parents, teachers and careers advisers.

Five ways your business can make a difference

1. Share your story and use our hashtag.

Publish a LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook post about your people, projects or career opportunities. Always use

#YourFutureInLandscaping and tag Task Academy so we can help share your message

2. Give a young person their first opportunity.

Consider an apprenticeship, work experience placement, summer job or introductory day on site. One opportunity can open the door to a lasting career.

3. Become a mentor.

Offer time, practical advice or encouragement to someone exploring the industry. Your experience could help a young person find their direction.

4. Take landscaping into schools and colleges.

Volunteer for a careers talk or fair, welcome students for a visit, or explain the many different roles available, including those behind the scenes.

5. Open your doors and show what you do.

Host a behind-the-scenes visit, demonstrate a skill or film a short video introducing the people who make your business work, both on site and in the office.

One industry. One shared message. One hashtag.

You do not need to do all five. Choose one action, share your contribution using #YourFutureInLandscaping and encourage another business to take part. A single careers-related post each month would be a brilliant place to start.

We are beginning with a group of committed partners, but our ambition is to welcome more landscapers, construction businesses and garden designers, alongside organisations such as APL and SGLD. Each can contribute its own content while reinforcing the same message: landscaping is a fantastic, varied industry in which to build a career.

In time, we hope to connect the campaign with school visits, careers talks, mentoring, apprenticeships and practical taster opportunities. Together, we can turn awareness into real opportunities.

Will you help us show the next generation what is possible?

Share a story. Introduce a colleague. Offer an opportunity. Use #YourFutureInLandscaping and tag Task Academy. Together,

we can inspire new talent and build a stronger future for landscaping.

Rupert Keys

Task Academy

Train. Learn. Build. Grow With Us.