More than 200 students have taken part in more than 50 landscaping and horticultural courses at TASK Academy over the last 12 months.

The independent training centre in Worcestershire was established a year ago to help tackle the industry’s skills shortage.

Since its launch in September 2022, TASK Academy has doubled in size and has launched a curriculum of one- to three-day courses for students on its five-acre small holding near Pershore.

It has also established partnerships with 10 training and 25 other industry partners, and introduced a series of one-day, land-based courses for members of the public, including dry stone walling, garden planting design, paving and even bricklaying.

Going into its second year, TASK has once again received accreditation from Lantra, after its Lantra-accredited courses achieved a 99% pass rate over the last year.

Founder Rupert Keys – who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, running his own business, Keyscape Design and Construction – says: “It’s been a hugely busy year but the growth and success of TASK has exceeded our expectations and the support and encouragement we have received from the industry has really helped put TASK on the horticultural map. We are really excited about building on this success and to continue to develop and enhance our offering to students over the next year.”

To celebrate its anniversary, TASK held a party for its industry partners, trainers, students and supporters, where it presented its inaugural Student of the Year Award to Lucy Chapman from Surrey, who had completed a number of courses including the three-day Garden Designers’ Introduction to Practical Landscaping.