Training production personnel: Managerial skills, health and safety and green issues are all part of the production horticulture skillset today

摘要

Over the past few years, much has changed in the world of production horticulture. Advances in technology, stricter legal controls, a global economy and global warming are playing their part in shaping the industry. But on a day-today level, the mostimportant change has been the influx of a vast casual workforce from eastern Europe. These changes have been reflected in the skills needed for production horticulture. No longer can the industry rely on old-fashioned gardeners with big boots and green fingers - it now needs to recruit top-class managers, equipped with the skills to organise staff. In addition, most firms will need some staff with expertise in plants. But among the lower ranks, employers must ensure the staff they use have basic skillsas well as the knowledge and legal certification to use machinery safely.