At YGS Landscapes, we believe our responsibility extends beyond delivering high-quality landscaping. As a long-established local employer, we are committed to creating positive social value in the communities where we work across Devon and Cornwall.

Our approach is practical, proportionate and focused on real outcomes – supporting skills, employment, wellbeing and local communities through meaningful long-term contribution.

Apprenticeships and skills development

Investing in people and the future of the sector

Developing future talent is a key part of our social value commitment.

Recognising a shortage of local horticultural and landscaping training pathways, we partnered with City College Plymouth to help establish a structured apprenticeship route into landscaping and grounds maintenance.

Through this programme, apprentices benefit from:

• Paid employment on live commercial sites

• Mentoring from experienced supervisors and managers

• Support towards recognised qualifications and industry standards

• Exposure to a wide range of landscaping, maintenance and arboricultural works

This approach builds confidence, competence and long-term career opportunities, while strengthening skills within the local workforce and wider sector.

Our apprenticeship programme forms part of a wider training structure that supports long-term workforce development across the business.

This investment supports both individual career progression and the long-term resilience of the local landscaping sector.

Many of our team members have progressed within YGS over time, supported by training, mentoring and clear development pathways – reinforcing stable long-term employment rather than short-term labour dependency.

Community Engagement & Local Support

Working with communities, not just within them

Social value at YGS extends beyond training and employment into the communities where our teams live and work.

Alongside contracted work, we support community initiatives that improve shared spaces, encourage collaboration and create visible long-term benefit. Our teams are encouraged to take part in community-focused work that helps improve local environments and gives something back to the areas that support our business.

Examples of this include:

• Planting and public-realm improvements at Marsh Mills

• Community planting initiatives in Keyham

• Contributions to West End Planters projects

• Support for local schools and community organisations, including Ruby Leigh, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth and 1st Mylawski, through seasonal bulb planting and environmental activities

These projects create visible, long-term improvements to shared spaces while giving our team opportunities to contribute beyond their day-to-day roles.

Training, wellbeing & safe working

Supporting people to work safely, confidently and sustainably

We invest continuously in our workforce to ensure people feel supported, skilled and able to work safely.

This includes:

• Ongoing health & safety training at all levels

• Skills-based and equipment-specific training

• Supervisor and leadership development

• Regular reviews of working practices and site conditions

By prioritising training, wellbeing and safety, we support a working environment where people feel valued, confident and equipped to deliver high standards consistently.

Social value is strongest when practical contribution, local knowledge and long-term commitment are embedded into everyday delivery.

Commercial landscaping & grounds maintenance across Devon & Cornwall

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