In the past, the term ‘apprenticeship’ might have been primarily associated with manufacturing industries. It is now time for farmers and growers to realise the benefit that modern apprenticeship programmes can bring to our industry.
We all recognise the need for new entrants to the sector, that’s why NFU Education enjoys such wide support. However, when we are working inside schools, what type of tangible offer is going to give students something to aim for?
This is where apprenticeships can make the difference.
Gainful employment
There are a range of apprenticeships available, including those specific to crop production, poultry, livestock and general farmwork. On my own nurseries we are now able to recruit school-leavers into a Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship – alongside older candidates.
The combination of gainful employment and continuing education is very attractive to the type of talent that we need in our business.
We also use apprenticeships as a mechanism for upskilling existing employees. You do not need to be paying the Apprenticeship Levy to benefit from generous funding schemes covering most of the cost of delivering the training.
“At this moment we are lagging a bit behind the curve; if our industry is going to be fully competitive in the employment market, we need more businesses to be offering apprenticeships.”
NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board chair Martin Emmett
Because apprenticeships are based on specific roles, training providers can develop packages that suit the needs of employers, so that the 20% of time that should be spent on ‘off the job’ training does not need to coincide with peak periods on your farm or nursery.
Flexible delivery mechanisms also mean that the most suitable training provider isn’t necessarily the one that is closest to you. In the modern employment environment, agriculture and horticulture needs a good apprenticeship offer; it demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and gives future employees the assurance that their capabilities will be recognised by the whole sector.
Attracting talent towards your business
At this moment we are lagging a bit behind the curve; if our industry is going to be fully competitive in the employment market, we need more businesses to be offering apprenticeships.
There are always some people who will argue against investing in training because it stimulates workforce mobility. The response to that argument is simple: have a reputation for developing talent and your business will attract more talent to you.
The most competent and capable employees will always gravitate to those businesses that give them the opportunities to develop their skills. The development of apprenticeship programmes is now in the hands of TIAH (The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture) who are providing the secretariat to the Trailblazer Group.
The Trailblazer group needs employers involved to make sure the apprenticeships in our industry reflect the needs of farming businesses. If you want to get involved contact NFU skills and employment adviser, Thomas Price, at [email protected].
I look forward to the development of degree apprenticeships in farming and horticulture; because these offer future industry leaders a debt-free pathway to higher education – smart students and progressive businesses take note!
