Wilkinsons Landscapes has strengthened its support for horticultural education with a donation to Middlesbrough’s Askham Bryan College alongside joining the college’s Employer Advisory Board to help ensure students are equipped with industry-ready skills.
The family-run landscaping firm, the largest of its kind in the region, has donated 30 bags of compost for use by horticulture students, as well as a new heater to support practical, hands-on learning across the Middlesbrough campus. The contribution comes as Askham Bryan College calls on more local businesses to play a role in protecting opportunities for young people amid growing skills shortages in horticulture and related sectors.
Simon Wilkinson, Managing Director of Wilkinsons Landscapes and an RHS award-winning designer, has also joined the college’s Employer Advisory Board (EAB), which brings together employers from across horticulture, equine, floristry, animal management and other land-based industries. The board works with the college to shape curriculum content and ensure teaching reflects real-world workforce needs.
A former Askham Bryan College student himself, Simon said the college plays a vital role in helping young people discover career paths they might not otherwise consider. He said: “I know first-hand how valuable Askham Bryan College is to young people who might not otherwise discover a passion for horticulture.
“Employers like us rely on skilled, enthusiastic people coming through, but the college needs ongoing support to make that possible. Donating materials and equipment is a small contribution, but if more local businesses get involved, the impact for students could be huge.
“I want more businesses to get involved. Askham Bryan College is a valuable asset for all North East land-based businesses, and we’re at risk of losing it if we don’t ensure that it has a strong pipeline of students and the input from employers to ensure that they leave ready to join the workforce.”
Askham Bryan College runs specialist land-based provision across the region, including its Middlesbrough campus, and works closely with employers to ensure students leave with the practical skills and experience needed to move directly into employment.
Lisa Proffit, Head of Campus at Askham Bryan College Middlesbrough, said contributions such as Wilkinsons Landscapes’ donation and involvement help make a tangible difference to students’ day-to-day learning.
“Simon brings deep industry knowledge and genuine commitment to nurturing new talent, and we’re pleased to have him on board,” she said. “But we need more organisations to play a part - whether it’s offering insight, placements, materials or equipment, every contribution helps ensure young people don’t miss out on the chance to build a future in these vital sectors.”
Wilkinsons Landscapes employs around 50 people across the region, and the company’s involvement with Askham Bryan College reflects a wider push by the college to secure stronger partnerships with local employers to safeguard the future of land-based education and address long-term skills gaps.
