Capel Manor College Hosts British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) Annual General Meeting
On Tuesday 10 February 2025, Capel Manor College was delighted to welcome the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) to its Enfield Campus. The College has a longstanding partnership with BALI, and hosting BALI’s Annual General Meeting is a great way for all involved to meet and review the latest updates from the green sector impacting education and employment.
BALI is the UK’s leading trade association and accreditation body for landscaping professionals, BALI supports, represents, and accredits the landscape industry, delivering excellence through standards, innovation, and leadership.
Capel Manor College leaders and tutors had an inspiring day with members of BALI. Discussions included the current industry landscape for green skills sectors and exploring the ways in which the two organisations can support each other in training the next generation of land-based workers, as well as upskills its existing workforce.
Sam Black, Assistant Principal at Capel Manor College shared positive news around the College’s apprenticeship programmes. Boasting an industry-leading pass rate at 94.7% for apprentices in their End Point Assessment, the College is continuing its momentum by working in tandem with employers to ensure apprentices are learning the necessary skills required for jobs in the landscape industries.
Sam also reviewed key updates to government policy changes and the ways that these may impact future training and education.
From April 2026, government policy changes for employers will include:
- Levy expiry: Reducing from £24m to £12m
- Higher co-investment rates from 5% to 25%
- Removal of levy top-ups
These changes will also incorporate:
- Streamlining apprenticeship standards
- Apprenticeship assessment reform
- Simplifying the apprenticeship process for all involved
Claire Curtis, Head of Business Development and Employer Skills at Capel Manor College highlighted how the College’s pioneering new programme of Skills Bootcamps have seen an 80% employment success rate.
Zephaniah Lindo, Head of Horticulture and Landscaping at Capel Manor College emphasised the importance of working closely with employers to ensure that the College curriculum provides valuable education that prepares its students for the realities of the working world by learning job-ready skills.
BALI members also enjoyed a guided tour of the College’s 30 acres of gardens and outdoor teaching facilities.
Sam Black, Assistant Principal at Capel Manor College said:
“Hosting BALI’s AGM at Capel Manor College reflects the strength of our partnership with the landscape industry. As government policy evolves, it is more important than ever that training is aligned with employer needs. Our apprenticeship outcomes demonstrate what can be achieved through close collaboration with industry. Together with BALI, we remain committed to developing a skilled, resilient workforce for the future of the green sector.”
If you are an employer and looking to find out more about offering apprenticeships, find out more on our Employers Hub.
If you are an individual looking for apprenticeships on offer, visit our course listings to find out more.
