The twin threats of climate change and unpredictable energy supplies mean that farming systems are shifting to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in a significant move towards higher levels of sustainability and increased responsibility for our actions. During this process, considerable demand will be created for highly skilled and talented individuals as full time and part time farmers, land workers and entrepreneurs.

So the Soil Association has set up its Organic Apprenticeship Scheme which is being run in partnership with the Organic Growers Alliance and the Organic Advisory Service, with the support of Garden Organic and Duchy College.

Why apprenticeships?

We believe that apprenticeships are the key to a well-equipped and experienced future workforce and business community, particularly for those who choose not to take a formal education route into food and farming.

Organic apprenticeships with farm and food businesses will provide individuals with practical training and direct experience of working as part of a team, combined with structured off-site group tutorial sessions or "masterclasses" which provide the theory behind the practice.

The apprenticeship scheme is a two-year programme which will enable apprentices to focus on mixed or single enterprises, as well as the option to study other farm types and enterprises.

The ultimate aim of the Organic Apprenticeship Scheme is to achieve well-rounded and experienced individuals with specialist skills, if so desired, but primarily with a broad knowledge of organic agriculture and food businesses.

What do we want to achieve from organic apprenticeships?

• To train young people and new entrants to organic agriculture to a high standard of practical skill and knowledge
• To offer a structured, work based training package to encourage the commitment of young employees
• To improve business success and employer confidence as apprentices move into employed and business situations
• To teach apprentices the craft of horticulture or agriculture or food production
• To achieve mutually beneficial relationships between the grower/farmer and the apprentice – to accept that the apprentice is there to learn but also to contribute to the business workforce
• To create cohesion between apprentices involved (both regional and national) and build relationships through training, meetings and social events
• To make growing an attractive career proposition (career, social, business) and to inspire school children, students and careers advisors.

Contacts

For more information please contact Vicky Sleap or Ben Raskin on 0117 914 2400 or email ff@soilassociation.org.