An exciting new ‘Horticulture Apprenticeship Scheme’ is being piloted by West Sussex Growers’ Association (WSGA)* this Autumn, in partnership with training providers Management Development Services (MDS).**
Tangmere is incredibly proud to champion the scheme and welcomes school leaver, Aaron Copeland, the first pilot apprentice, as he embarks on his initial six-month placement at the nursery.
The apprenticeship is aimed at local young people aged 18 and over, to highlight the dynamic career opportunities in the region’s horticulture sector, whilst supporting the development of our next generation of growers and managers.
Rachael Williams, from WSGA explains: “Participants are given the opportunity to experience the diversity of horticultural businesses and the breadth of functions from Agronomy to IT, Technical to Engineering, whilst earning a salary, remaining local, receiving training and working towards an apprenticeship qualification, a Level 3 Supply Chain Lead.”
Aaron describes what attracted him to apply for the scheme: “Before I applied for the apprenticeship, I took the opportunity to gain work experience in the form of taster days at two local horticulture businesses. I was amazed by what’s grown locally on my doorstep and impressed by the scale of production.
I’m excited by the variety of the horticulture apprenticeship programme, not only does it offer me industry work placements with four leading UK growers, but the chance to experience different departments within each business to see where my interests lie and which role I’d like to specialise in.”
James Bardgett, Packhouse Head of Operations at Tangmere adds: “This will be a unique opportunity for Aaron to experience key areas of the business and rotate through different teams, gaining real-life hands-on skills alongside industry experts.”
Rachael concludes: “This pilot scheme offers a holistic view of horticulture in West Sussex, and we hope, will equip Aaron and subsequent candidates with the skills to be our leaders of the future.”
*WSGA is a specialist horticultural branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
**MDS is the UK’s foremost provider of management training for the food industry.
