Please click here to comment on draft standards in Arable and Fresh produce sector.
Employers are being encouraged to have their say on the first draft apprenticeship standards for the arable and horticulture sectors.
Back in November the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) announced that agricultural employers had been successful in a bid as part of government plans to replace every 'apprenticeship framework' with new standards.
The current frameworks are to be phased out, with all new apprenticeship starts based on the new standards by 2017.
Since the announcement employers in the sector have been working with NFU, AHDB, EDGE Apprenticeships and Lantra to develop draft standards, which are based around three core areas of skills, knowledge and behaviours.
The first standard developed is for a Technician in Arable and Fresh Produce. In all, a total of nine sets of standards for agriculture and horticulture apprenticeships will be developed under this trailblazer scheme.
The idea is to simplify the standards and ensure young people, parents and employers can understand what is expected of an apprentice.
We are now asking businesses across the industry to comment on the standards.
Lee Osborne, Skills and Employment Adviser said: “It is important that we get as many people and businesses across the industry to give their views and comment on the standards to ensure they are fit for purpose and will be accessible to micro-businesses as well as larger employers in the sector. Following each consultation the standards will be sent to BIS for approval”
Please take a moment to complete a survey on the draft standards.
We would encourage as many people to take part and provide comments – the survey should take no more than 20 minutes to complete and closes on 20 April 2015.