The 'original' green career?

Time is running out to address climate change, but the strategic use of plants and trees is at the forefront of tackling the issue. We’re seeing a huge growth in landscape and horticulture-related jobs that haven’t existed before to help combat the climate emergency. Referred to as ‘green jobs’ or jobs with green skills, here’s why they are part of the solution.

Careers in the landscape industry have been around for a very long time and the work they carry out has a direct impact on the environment. We don’t call it being ‘green fingered’ for nothing! But the use of plants and trees is also one of the vital ways we can tackle the climate crisis, which is why we are hearing more about the importance of green spaces and the planting of trees, for example. The skills of gardening, landscaping and horticultural science are being enlisted in new ways to secure the future of humanity.

So, how do plants help our planet? Plants and particularly large areas of planting like parks or forests contribute a number of benefits. First and foremost, plants improve our air quality: they are natural stores of carbon dioxide and producers of oxygen. Plants also help to regulate the temperature: trees and plants around buildings help insulate in the winter and cool in the summer. You will have noticed how a grassed area feels significantly cooler than tarmac or concrete.

Plants also help reduce noise: not only do they absorb and deflect sound energy, they also mask other sounds with their own noises, like leaves rustling or the wildlife living in them. Plants significantly contribute to water management: they will absorb and help control runoff water, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion. Planted areas also provide habitats for wildlife and insects, offering food, shelter from the weather, nesting places and protection from predators.

The other incredibly important aspect to plants is how they make us feel. Many studies have shown that plants and spending time outside with nature has a positive impact on our wellbeing and mental health. Time spent outdoors and around plants makes us happier, healthier, and more productive. Did you know you could do better in your exams if you can see greenery? A study in the USA reported that students with a higher exposure to ‘greenness’ showed better academic performance in English and Maths, especially in the spring when they sat their main exams.

Don’t just think about plants being on the ground or outside. There are many ways to incorporate plants into a building, such as the green walls and roofs that are growing in popularity. Interior landscapers bring the green inside, meaning buildings can still gain the benefits where a traditional garden wouldn’t fit.

Landscapers have the skills and knowledge to design these areas. Choosing the most appropriate plants and features, they will plan, install and plant them. The work doesn’t stop there, of course, as they will also implement programmes to maintain the plants, keeping the areas safe and the plants healthy. They will create spaces that are not only beautiful to look at, but which provide active benefits for the world around us.

By considering a career in the landscape industry, you are choosing a career that will shape, change and improve our environment. You can undertake the relevant training as a Level 2 or Level 3 Landscape or Horticulture apprentice, or as a full-time course at college. These could even lead onto you undertaking a degree within a specialist area in landscaping.

Our green spaces are so powerful, who wouldn’t want a career that delivers such positive outcomes?

For more information visit golandscape.co.uk

Want to know more about the world of work?

If so, we have just the resource for you!

The East Sussex Careers Hub’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people for the world of work by using the skills and experiences of a network of employers who pass on their knowledge in a variety of ways.

iCan 2022

iCan is an in-person careers event for young people with additional needs in East Sussex. Hear inspiring stories from local employers and engage in interactive skills sessions. iCan 2022 will be taking place on 30th June at the Towner Gallery, Eastbourne. Talk to your Careers Lead in school about attending. Find out more at careerseastsussex.co.uk.

Apprenticeship Roadshow 2022

Apprenticeship Roadshows 2022 are in-person careers events where young people can learn about live apprenticeship opportunities from local employers and training providers. Meet current and former apprentices and find out about their role and day- to-day work. Apprenticeship Roadshow events will be taking place in Hastings at the White Rock Theatre on 20th June, from 4:30 to 6:30pm, and in Eastbourne at the Welcome Building, Devonshire Park Quarter, on 6th July, from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Find out more at careerseastsussex.co.uk/advice/apprenticeships/.

Opportunity Days

Opportunity Days offer an exciting careers event open to all Year 9 and 10 students. The day aims to offer some young people the chance to experience the workplace environment and have meaningful encounters with employers from a chosen industry sector. These events enable young people to explore and find out about different roles and the skills, qualifications and careers routes for each industry sector. Opportunity Days will be taking place in Hastings on Thursday 28 th April and Lewes/Eastbourne on Wednesday 25th May for Hastings and Lewes district schools respectively. Find out more at hastingsopportunityarea.co.uk

Where can I learn more?

You can read more about the Careers Hub, upcoming events and careers opportunities at careerseastsussex.co.uk or by speaking to your Careers Lead.