D: Training
Date posted: 6 June 2010 - Permalink / Shortlink
None of the policies in this Strategy Plan could be put into place without well-trained staff to cultivate and manage plant collections. Sound horticultural training is crucial to the long-term welfare and use of plant collections. Some gardens are in a position to train professional gardeners by on-the-job training, NVQ assessments or the provision of work experience before, during or after a college course. There is a pressing need for such opportunities to sustain the base of horticultural skills in Britain and Ireland. However, while horticultural training is obviously the most important type of training necessary, horticulturists in public gardens also need other types of training. Examples include training in many aspects of health and safety, management and supervision, computers and plant records, customer care, tourism and interpretation techniques. Some gardens also offer opportunities and courses for those seeking a career in botanical horticulture.
PlantNet aims to raise standards of horticultural and other appropriate training for those involved with plant collections.
To achieve this aim, PlantNet will
- hold a conference to discuss training issues and to bring together organisations involved in botanical and horticultural training
- encourage attendance by staff at workshops of the PlantNet Tree Forum, PlantNet Plant Records Group and PlantNet Glasshouse Forum and at PlantNet Technical Training Days
- highlight training issues and opportunities in the PlantNet Newsletter
- encourage staff exchanges
- investigate the feasibility of PlantNet running specific training courses
- encourage training by exchanging expertise within PlantNet, but also by seeking advice and skills from other bodies
- promote opportunities for training in botanical horticulture and systematics offered by botanic gardens, universities and colleges.
The following policies are also relevant in delivering the Training policy: