Heats for the APL WorldSkills Landscaping competition took place around the country throughout May and June for the landscapers of the future to compete for their place in the final national heat.
The final heat of the competition took place at the end of July, and over the three days, 14 competitors from colleges around the UK took part in industry-led training sessions and tests. Tests included paving, disc cutting, carpentry, garden design and a plant ident. The test pieces directly assessed the competitors on what they had been taught, which focussed on the latest developments and innovations in the industry. There were also theory lessons, extra training and information given with industry representatives on setting out, pricing & procurement.
This year’s national final will once again be held at WorldSkills UK Live at the NEC Birmingham from the 21-23 November.
The finalists who will be competing at the NEC are:
- David Jamieson, College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
- Elliot Johnson, Reaseheath College
- Jamie Franklin, Wiltshire College – Lackham
- Lewis Sharp, Myerscough College
- Marc Brown, College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)
- Nick Bundy, Gadd Brothers Trees and Landscapes
- Patrick Neild, Warwickshire College – Pershore
- Toby Mcleay, Myerscough College
The APL would like to thank sponsors Dickies, Makita, Marshalls, J A Jones and Landscapeplus for their support of the APL WorldSkills Landscaping competition. Also Mark Youde of Landscape Academy for judging and Myerscough College along with J A Jones for hosting the event.
