Merrist Wood College launches new Skills Bootcamp to grow the next generation of landscaping supervisors

Developed with industry experts Hyphae Learning, the programme responds directly to the landscaping sector’s growing need for confident, capable supervisors who can manage people, projects and site documentation effectively.

Upskill your team. Strengthen your business.

This eight-week flexible programme blends online learning with practical, sector-focused training, enabling learners to develop essential leadership, organisation and communication skills while continuing to work.

The Bootcamp has been created to deliver real business impact, helping employers to:

• Boost productivity and onsite organisation
• Improve communication and leadership on site
• Reduce errors through stronger documentation and planning
• Support staff progression into supervisory and project leadership roles
• For BALI members, the programme offers a practical way to invest in workforce development, build supervisory capacity and enhance professionalism across landscaping projects.

What the programme covers

Across the eight weeks (February–March 2026), learners will develop the knowledge and confidence needed to take greater responsibility on site, including:

• Project team roles and responsibilities
• Interpreting design documents for site delivery
• Health and safety documentation and compliance
• Communication masterclasses and running toolbox talks
• Project and site management documentation
• Team management and holding effective site meetings

The curriculum focuses on the real challenges faced on landscaping projects — equipping learners to coordinate work more effectively, lead teams with confidence and maintain high standards of quality and safety.

Who it’s for

The Skills Bootcamp is ideal for employers looking to develop staff who are:

Stepping into, or aspiring to, supervisory and project leadership positions
Being prepared for greater responsibility on site
Strengthening their professional skills to support business growth
Employers can use the programme to develop promising staff, improve operational efficiency and future-proof their workforce.

Cost and employer contribution

This Skills Bootcamp is delivered on a co-funded basis for employers.

For employer-referred learners, a small employer contribution applies:

SMEs: 10% contribution – £400 per learner
This represents a highly cost-effective way for landscaping businesses to invest in developing their workforce, strengthen supervisory capability and improve productivity and standards on site.

Find out more

Landscaping employers interested in enrolling staff onto the February 2026 cohort are encouraged to register early, as places are limited.

Find out more and register your interest: https://adult.activatelearning.ac.uk/skills-bootcamp-land/