Industry-led apprenticeship scheme launched to help bridge skills gap
19 Mar 2013
An industry-led apprenticeship programme to boost training opportunities in food and farming and help young people develop careers in agriculture has been launched.
EDGE Apprenticeships in Food and Farming bring together a number of leading organisations to Educate, Develop, Grow and Employ (EDGE) young people in agriculture across the east of England.
The programme, launched at The Forum in Norwich on Friday March 15, is supported by just over £1.4 million of investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).
It aims to encourage employers across Norfolk and Suffolk to take on apprentices and equip them with the practical, managerial and technical skills required to develop successful careers in farming and food production.
The scheme will create hundreds of apprentice placements over the next two years.
The programme is industry-led and is a collaborative venture between agricultural purchasing groups AF and AtlasFram Group, in conjunction with Easton and Otley College, New Anglia LEP, Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council.
The application for funding was made in autumn 2012 in response to concerns from Anglia Farmers and AtlasFram Group members about the widening skills and age gaps in the industry. Many members had experienced difficulties finding young people with suitable skills to replace staff who were retiring, leading to an increasingly ageing workforce.
EDGE Apprenticeships in Food and Farming will offer training across a wide range of careers, both on-farm and in associated agri-science and agri-business roles.
Classroom-based training for apprentices will be provided by Easton and Otley College and other appropriate training bodies.
Clarke Willis, AF CEO, said: "The EDGE Apprenticeships in Food and Farming are a perfect example of the industry working to help itself.
"The skills and age gaps in many agricultural businesses are widening, so we need to encourage more young people into food and farming to secure the future of the sector as it continues to grow. Our members have told us that there is a real need for a scheme like this which equips young people with the skills and knowledge they need to develop successful careers, so we’re delighted to be leading this project.
"There are so many excellent opportunities for young people and the EDGE Apprenticeships in Food and Farming will open doors to a wide range of careers which are often overlooked. Working in food and farming is exciting, engaging and varied, so it’s high time we started shouting about what we can offer.
"Business will also benefit. By taking on apprentices, employers gain fresh ideas, enthusiastic workers and the ability to shape their future workforce."
Press release originally published at:
www.angliafarmers.co.uk/af-news.html
