ADDRESSING THE SKILLS GAP

Rolawn, the supplier of turf and topsoil has embarked on a new partnership with independent land-based training provider, TASK Academy, to deliver specialist, hands-on courses for those in the landscaping and horticulture industries. 

TASK Academy was launched in September 2022 by Rupert Keys (Keyscape Design & Construction Ltd), who has over 30 years’ experience in horticulture, and was set up with the intention of providing practical landscaping courses, delivered by a carefully selected team of industry professionals.

Rupert, who has a long-established relationship with Rolawn, selected the Yorkshire-based turf grower and landscaping supplier as an industry partner for TASK Academy due to a shared vision; both organisations say they are driven by a passion for the industry and a desire to have an active role in securing its future.

Keen to address recognised industry skills gaps, the partners say each course is designed and delivered by experts to ensure students receive the best possible learning experience. Rolawn’s sales director, Jonathan Hill, has already delivered a series of courses at TASK’s headquarters in Pershore, Worcestershire, including a recent ‘how to lay a lawn’ course, with the aim of transferring skills and knowledge acquired over his 20 year career in the industry.

Knowing all too well the challenges the industry face around quality of staffing and training, a range of specific one-day courses have been designed to address the challenges, including the workshop recently run by Rolawn’s landscaping sales manager, Nick Milson, who has a breadth of experience in the turf industry. The topics Nick covered included ground preparation, selecting the right turf, laying, cutting and finishing and how to manage customers and provide the best advice to clients.  

 Rolawn’s Jonathan Hill said, “This is a fabulous opportunity for Rolawn and we are grateful to Rupert and the TASK Academy team for the chance to be able to demonstrate and hand down the specific skills and knowledge we have gained over the years. TASK very much fits with the forward-thinking vision of Rolawn and the attention to detail we pride ourselves on. We’re looking forward to collaborating with the academy more this year, as we all work together towards a stronger, brighter future for the industry and the professionals within it.”