One of the UK’s major independent suppliers of hard landscaping products, Talasey Group (which grew out of the Natural Paving stone company) has launched a specialised training academy as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting and raising standards in the industry.

The Talasey Training Academy began rolling out its City & Guilds-accredited courses in purpose-built facilities based at the company's Doncaster headquarters this summer. As City & Guilds is a global leader in skills development, the Talasey Training Academy offers professional and practical training with formal accreditation.

Each course on offer has been designed by Talasey Group to appeal to a wide range of people from the industry - college students, installers, landscape designers and architects, and customer-facing staff in builders merchants who are looking to develop further skills and industry knowledge.

The courses cover aspects such as how to install, maintain, and get the most out of a wide range of landscaping products in domestic applications. Products include natural stone, clay, and porcelain paving systems, plus resin bound aggregate systems and artificial turf. Basic site setting out and preparation is also covered.

Additionally, ongoing advice and support is provided following the completion of courses as well the opportunity to become a member of the Talasey Group Landscaping Professionals network, which provides access to a range of member benefits including marketing support and promotional goodies.

Hannah Mounsey, Training Administrator at Talasey Training Academy, says: “We saw a growing need for a body of accredited courses to further support the future of our industry and, as a result, the Talasey Training Academy was born.

“These courses are designed to keep landscaping professionals up to date with the latest trends and developments in the industry, particularly in products and installation ideas, empowering them to bring their future projects to life with maximum impact.”

The courses are being delivered by a team of industry leading experts with installer backgrounds who also have experience of teaching.

Andrew Booth, at the Talasey Training Academy, says: “Our aim is to deliver interactive courses that are both theoretical and practical that will enable attendees to stay abreast of the latest trends and developments within the sector while also bolstering their professional development.”

The launch of the Talasey Training Academy has been spearheaded by Chris Whitlock, who was appointed Managing Director of Talasey Group in June.

As part of the company’s ongoing campaign to raise standards in the landscaping industry, Talasey Group has also announced its role as the official training supplier of the UK’s landscaping team for WorldSkills 2019 in Russia. The UK team is being trained at the Talasey Training Academy by Simon Abbott, WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Landscape Gardening. He will select the final team to compete in Russia next year.

Talasey Group plans to roll out further training opportunities in the future, at different locations throughout the UK.