Take advantage of apprenticeship schemes, says HTA
In a bid to secure the horticultural industry with a strong future work force the HTA is encouraging its members to get involved with apprentice schemes.
According to a study by market research company ICM Research, former apprentices are deemed more fit for the workplace than their peers, with employers in England rating qualified apprentices as 15 per cent more employable than those with other qualifications.
As part of its pledge to increase the take up of apprenticeships the HTA is working with the National Apprenticeship Service and colleges to understand how it could support members in providing up to date facts around what an apprenticeship is, what the business benefits are and providing advice and guidance on the process for recruiting or sharing an apprentice.
Penny Evans, HTA Training and Careers Manager comments: “Our aim is to support members in encouraging young entrants into the industry and help them through the processes involved. We’ve taken on two promising young apprentices ourselves, who are proving to be valuable members of the team”.
She adds: “Right now, we are reviewing the apprentice training frameworks to see if they are fit for purpose, discussing how they may be delivered flexibly and would welcome all ideas, opinions and interest in this area.”
Garden Radio is fully behind apprenticeship schemes and took on its won apprentice Adam Coomber a month ago with a view to becoming the radio's administrator.
Further demonstrating its support, the HTA has invested in two young apprentices within its IT and Event departments. Jonathan Spalding, IT and Chloe Bye, Events, will be working full time at the HTA while also attending college once a week during the course of their 12-18 month apprenticeship.
Chloe Bye, Events apprentice, comments: “I am currently undergoing an Intermediate Marketing Apprenticeship which includes achieving a Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Marketing and an NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Marketing which I will personally base on Events. I am finding it very beneficial, interesting and I am really enjoying the whole experience.”
She adds: “Doing this apprenticeship allows me to gain both qualifications and experience, which will really help me in the future. I feel I have learnt so much in the first 2 months from being in the working environment and putting on events, but also gaining the background knowledge and technical requirements from attending college.”
Jonathan Spalding, IT apprentice, is completing an Advanced Apprenticeship for IT, Software, Web & Telecoms Professionals for the qualification Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals.
He comments: “I am currently enjoying my role as part of the IT department and am learning more every day which will put me in good stead for the future. The additional college work on top of my time here at the HTA helps towards developing my skills and improving my overall performance.”
For further information on how you can benefit form apprentice schemes or to register your interest in this area, please contact Penny Evans, HTA Training and Careers Manager on 0118 9303132 or email penny.evans@the-hta.org.uk
