Discover the Future of Horticulture Careers
Horticulture bodies are gearing up to showcase exciting career opportunities at the upcoming New Scientist Live event from October 10-12, 2026, at ExCel London. With an expected 26,000 visitors, including dozens of schools, this event promises to be a game-changer for the industry.
The Skills Crisis and Industry Response
Recent data from HortWeek's Christina Walker reveals a pressing skills crisis in horticulture. Key findings include:
- The average age of skilled workers is approximately 40.1 years
- Only 3% of the industry are supervisors
- 6% of vacancies reported over a three-year period remained open, particularly in highly skilled occupations like skilled trades
Recruitment challenges are stark: 75% of businesses report an insufficient number of applicants for open roles, and 75% of employers say applicants lack necessary technical skills. There's also a notable lack of diversity in the field.
Interactive Exhibits and Future-Proof Careers
The planned exhibit, "Our Green Planet: Roots for the future, skills for today," will feature:
- Interactive displays including a glasshouse replica showing sensor technology
- A Metzet rollercoaster and urban setting demonstrations
- Hands-on activities like seed sowing, pollination, fungi exploration, and grafting
- Showcases of weird veg, carnivorous plants, and plant breeding
- Paving demos and salary information highlighting the industry's environmental and AI future-proof nature
Debunking Myths About Horticulture Careers
Delegate Boyd Douglas-Davies of the Environmental Horticulture Group addressed misconceptions, stating that claims characterizing horticulture as a low-paid field where 'you will not make any money' are both inaccurate and counterproductive.
HortWeek's annual Careers in Horticulture salary deep dive provides valuable insights into potential wages for top earners. This resource, which has been running since 2021, will be published again in April as a searchable online tool, helping to transparently showcase earning potential in the sector.
Essential Skills for the Future
The industry's skills needs are evolving, with digital skills becoming essential. Key areas include:
- Plant health
- Irrigation and water management
- Integrated management and agronomy
Contrary to some expectations, businesses do not expect automation to decrease skills shortages. Studies from 2019 and 2024 confirm the urgent need for skilled workers to meet growing demands.
Industry Collaboration and Support
Numerous organizations are involved in supporting horticulture careers, including:
- Young People in Horticulture (YPHA)
- Horticultural Trades Association (HTA)
- Kew, CIOH, WSGA, Fargro, BALI
- Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, Green Solutions, YMCA
- Outdoor Living Gardens, Architectural Plants, EHG
These collaborations aim to address the skills gap and promote horticulture as a viable and rewarding career path.
Event Highlights and Speakers
New Scientist Live 2026 will feature prominent speakers including:
- Alice Roberts
- Helen Sharman
- Chris and Xand van Tulleken
The event will also include a Future of Food and Agriculture exhibit, an annual Farmer's Weekly feature that complements the horticulture focus.
For more information about the event, visit: https://live.newscientist.com/
Contact: christina.walker@haymarket.com
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