AHDB Consultation on careers promotion in Ornamental Horticulture

Recent research has identified that the perception of the horticulture industry is one of the main barriers to people joining it, that lack of clarity regarding career progression can make the industry less appealing, and the effectiveness of careers initiatives is hampered by a lack of coordination.

Previous careers initiatives have failed to have a significant impact on overcoming the identified issues and as a result, the industry still struggles to attract the right people, with the right skills set, to this sector.

This consultation used desk research, in-depth interviews, analysis and reporting, and case studies to come up with a delivery model to achieve the aims outline for the work (see below).

• Delivery models for achieving aims and objectives – this should consider staffing, governance, roles of partners, hosting options and organisation types, as well as the associated advantages and risks.
• Associated costs and funding models should an initiative be commissioned – research on existing initiatives/partner attitudes and potential costs for an initiative including set up and maintenance over a 10 year period. This may include likely contribution levels from partners, commitment periods and options for different funding levels.
• Existing initiatives within and without the OHRG consortium and their funding mechanisms – any new partners that should be involved and opportunities for collaboration or coordinated action that would benefit partners.
• Stakeholder attitudes towards collaborative careers promotion – impact on staff, resourcing and, where relevant, their membership’s priorities.
• Mechanisms to enable collaboration of partners and to increase the impact of individual initiatives – creating economies with central coordination and activity, and identifying where additional activity may be appropriate.