Future Gardeners Celebrates 10 Years of Creating Routes into Green Careers

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Future Gardeners, Routes into Horticulture and the Natural Environment, an award-winning programme dedicated to helping people access careers in horticulture and the wider green sector. To celebrate this milestone, TEP's Tom Young joined partners, supporters and alumni at the 10 year anniversary event in London to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work it has delivered over the past decade.

Established by Bankside Open Spaces Trust and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners in 2016, the programme was designed to open doors into horticulture and the natural environment through practical training, hands-on work experience and valuable industry connections. Over the last 10 years, it has empowered countless participants to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to launch their careers. Today, with more than 80% progressing into further training, apprenticeships or employment, the programme is helping to shape the next generation of horticultural and environmental professionals.

Future Gardeners combines hands-on learning with work placements across parks, gardens and green spaces throughout London, giving participants valuable real-world experience alongside accredited training, including City & Guilds qualifications. By covering costs such as travel and equipment, the programme helps remove barriers that can prevent people from accessing opportunities within the sector.

Working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, particularly those facing challenges in securing employment or accessing training, the programme provides mentorship, practical experience and professional guidance. In doing so, it creates meaningful pathways into green careers and supports greater diversity across the horticulture and environmental sectors.

The 10th anniversary celebration, held at Red Cross Garden, brought together alumni, supporters and partners to reflect on the achievements of the past decade and look ahead to the future. The event featured a series of speakers who highlighted the programme's successes and the important role it continues to play in developing talent across the horticulture and environmental sectors.

As a business committed to creating sustainable places and supporting the landscape sector, TEP was delighted to be represented by Associate Tom Young at the celebrations. Joining fellow supporters and partners, Tom helped recognise the achievements of Future Gardeners and the opportunities it continues to create across the green sector.

The programme's work closely aligns with TEP's values and vision. We understand the challenges facing the landscape sector in attracting new entrants at all levels and the importance of encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to pursue rewarding careers in horticulture and environmental management. Through its commitment to training, support and opportunity, Future Gardeners is helping to nurture the next generation of green sector professionals.