Landscaping is an exciting work opportunity many young people might miss out on. It is a creative field with a lot of options for professional growth.
Adults change up to 7 different careers before they retire nowadays. So even if you are occupied in another field right now, it is possible to change the career without a hassle.
One can get a different qualification easily. With real-life work experience and numerous courses, it’s easy to update the resume and apply to new jobs or apprentices. However, if you are worried about the job application process, there is always the help of LinkedIn resume writers that can craft a winning resume and profile. Meanwhile, you can get more time to invest in your career in landscaping.
Skills and Career Prospects for Landscapers
When it comes to landscaping, there are several opportunities out there, such as:
- Soft landscaping;
- Hard landscaping;
- Work at local authority park departments;
- Design and planning;
- Consultation services;
- Running small business;
- Work as a sports groundsman.
This field develops outdoor and indoor spaces, such as gardens, parks, sports grounds, estates, and plant compositions. Sometimes the job involves woodwork, timber construction, water features, turf, and planting.
The critical skills for this position include communication and customer service, experience with specific machinery to prepare the ground, knowledge of plants, and creativity. The majority of the time, landscapers work outdoors. Exceptions are those who focus on indoor compositions.
According to the National Career Service, the starting annual salary for this position is 16,000 pounds. The experienced employees get 25,000 pounds on average.
What’s Involved in the Job
The exact responsibilities may vary based on the projects and employers. But they usually are in the terrain of the following:
- Working according to the architect’s or garden designer’s plan;
- Communicating with clients on the project scope, budget, and deadlines;
- Preparation of the ground with specific tools (differs, excavators, or dump trucks)
- Installation of drainage;
- Planting greenery, seeding lawns, and laying turf;
- Installation of outdoor features like pathways, statues, or paved areas;
- Consultation of clients on maintaining the landscape and plants.
Overall, it is a highly physical job focusing on delivering beautiful spaces for living and resting.
Reasons to Become a Landscaper
Now let’s talk about the main reasons one can choose to be employed in this industry.
1 It Is a Creative Career
Unlike many other occupations, there are no similar projects here. Every project is unique and brings new exciting opportunities. It has a lot of possibilities in terms of exploring design and vision and making a positive change in one’s life. So you’ll need to keep your creativity flowing all the time.
2 It is Versatile
If you land a job in landscaping, you’ll constantly be learning. Professionals get new experiences regularly. For example, they need to solve a particular issue with a space. Or they need to know how to use new tools or machinery.
One can learn more about different plants, react to weather, and be great for other grounds and regions. It is an aesthetically pleasing activity with a focus on visible results.
3 It Keeps You Outside
This one might be viewed differently. But, of course, being outside is excellent. But it means being outside in any weather, not only sunny days. At the same time, you can engage with nature and create sustainable spaces. Working with plants is relaxing and fulfilling.
4 It Helps to Stay Fit
There is no argument that landscaping can be physically hard sometimes, specifically when one works with machinery, wood, or concrete. At the same time, it keeps you fit. Being outside and involved in such activities helps to better physical and mental health.
While you’re outside, you get fresh air, sun, and exercise. There is no need to go to the gym, and it is quite possible to enjoy some pizza without any consequences.
5 It Gives You Community and Clients
There is nothing like seeing a happy client satisfied with the result. Landscaping is directly involved with the community and making a positive change. Whether your laborer works on private estates or public parks, it is always a people-oriented project. It is a great chance to change the outdoor experience for the better for the whole community.
6 Personal Satisfaction
The secret to a long and fulfilling career is satisfied with what you do. In this industry, you can see results right away. It is incredibly empowering to transform spaces. Also, it is pleasant to know that people will enjoy this for years to come.
7 It is Easy to Start
Overall, specific education is not strictly needed to start a job search in this industry. Instead, one can apply directly to firms and recruiters or start as an apprentice (they are always in demand).
Apprentices work under supervision and get both education and paid work experience simultaneously. They are paid at least 95 pounds per week – this is the legal minimum. But the average pay is 170 pounds per week. And there is an opportunity to start as an apprentice from 14 and 16 years old.
Of course, there are also educational career resources that might help. In the UK, it can be:
- Level 1 college diploma in Horticulture Industries;
- Level 2 college diploma in Practical Horticulture (with a certificate);
- Level 3 college diploma in Horticulture.
Job seekers that already have some experience can start as assistants.
8 Future Prospects
This field has several prospects based on experience, interests, and accomplishments. One can grow from apprentice to assistant, project manager, or even start one’s own business. It is possible to be self-employed as well as work for governmental organizations. Professionals can also choose niche specialization, like indoor water features, or work towards becoming a designer or architect.
In Summary
Landscaping is a creative and rewarding career with many opportunities for constant growth. It is comparatively easy to start in and doesn’t require formal education to get into it. Although, certifications and training will come in handy for those who want to advance in position.
