In this episode of Dig Deep, recorded live at GroundsFest, host Rosie Sayers talks with Jonathan Petit, Head of Skills, Careers, and Certification at GoLandscape – the BALI initiative dedicated to promoting careers in landscaping. Together, they explore how GoLandscape is tackling the industry's biggest challenge: the skills gap. Jonathan shares how GoLandscape is: Engaging with 22,000 young people annually at large-scale events like Big Bang to showcase the diversity of careers in landscaping Connecting employers with land-based colleges to ensure students are job-ready with the right skills Supporting career changers, ex-military personnel, refugees, and underrepresented communities to enter the sector Building a network of 60+ ambassadors who visit schools and colleges to share their industry experiences Offering free student membership to help young people access support and employment opportunities You'll also hear why the industry needs to dispel misconceptions about what landscaping really involves – from engineering and HR roles to accountancy – and why Britain is considered the "landscaping king of the world." Key takeaways The landscaping sector faces significant skills shortages, made worse by Brexit and misconceptions about the industry. Employers must engage with colleges to shape training programmes and secure the talent pipeline. Going to large events where thousands of young people gather is more effective than visiting schools one by one. The industry needs to improve diversity and show that "you can't be what you can't see." Anyone can become a GoLandscape ambassador – doing as much or as little as they feel comfortable with. Episode sponsors This episode is supported by: GoLandscape – Inspiring the next generation to build a career in landscaping. Stihl – Trusted tools that work as hard as you do. Links mentioned golandscape.co.uk