Low number of degree places: Land-based Apprenticeships????
In Kent earlier this year we launched our New Entrants Fresh Start Academy (www.careeringfarming.co.uk) which is designed for school leavers and career changers to get a taste for farming. The course has had huge demand with plans now to set up a 2nd one (thanks to Hadlow College and KCC for the support!). We look at all the basic practical skills involved in all aspects of farming.
Why did we do this? Well - more and more people with no basic skills in agriculture we coming to ask about Fresh Start courses.....so we designed one!
This leads me to my question: why is there such low uptake of land-based apprenticeships? It is a good way to learn about the industry and gain skills. It is a great career! You can earn why you learn! Agricultural workers have a wide range of transferable skills! There are good opportunities to progress to management! What more could we want?
So why are apprenticeships not working? The industry needs to work together, learn and commit about apprenticeships...how can we do it?