Growing farming apprentices at home
05 August 2009
Growing farming apprentices at home
Future crops of agricultural apprentices could be more "home grown" than ever before, thanks to a switch to flexible, work-based learning to be introduced by Oatridge College, one of Scotland's leading centres for landbased education and training.
Under the new programme, students studying for Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Agriculture (Mixed Farming) will spend just two weeks a year at the College in West Lothian, while developing their knowledge and skills on the job and being monitored by tutors and a visiting assessor. Previously they would have been away from work for six weeks in a year.
Peter Scott, who heads the agriculture team at Oatridge, says: "We listened to farmers and one of the most important things they told us was that they couldn't afford to have their apprentices away for prolonged periods at College. This way the apprentices will get the skills and knowledge the industry needs and the qualifications they want, without putting too much strain on their employers."
Students enrolling for SVQ Level 2 Agriculture will only attend the College for one week at the beginning of their course and one week at the end, during which they will receive intensive training in areas like livestock husbandry, machinery operation and maintenance, estate management, record keeping and personal development, to underpin what they have learned day-to-day on the farm.
Successful completion of the programme will allow those who want to progress to the part-time SVQ Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship year or join a full-time course.
Students will gain their Modern Apprenticeship certificate by completing the Level 3 programme, which covers advanced topics like livestock and grassland production, animal health and welfare and farm records and performance, plus gaining certification in two of a range of specialised subjects, such as use of pesticides, safe use of veterinary medicines or animal transportation. If they choose they could then move on to the full-time Higher National Certificate course in Agriculture.