Are you aware of ApprenticeshipsNI

Only one in five employers within the environmental and land-based sector is aware of ApprenticeshipsNI*, according to new research published by Lantra Sector Skills Council, it was revealed today (25 May).

The majority of the sector has little or no knowledge of ApprenticeshipsNI and what benefits their businesses could receive from recruiting an apprentice or providing this training to their current employees. David Seffen, Lantra Partnership Manager said: “Lantra carried out this research to assess the suitability of Apprenticeships in the environmental and land-based sector. We looked at the demand for apprenticeships, their functionality and any adjustments that employers/apprentices felt might be required so that we have the right skills we need for a thriving sector in NI.” The research showed that as many of the businesses in the sector in Northern Ireland are small (98% employ fewer than 10 people), uptake of Apprenticeship schemes has been restricted due to financial constraints. David continued: “It was great to see that two thirds of the employers who are aware of ApprenticeshipsNI, believe that they are relevant to the industry. The consensus among providers and learners is that ApprenticeshipsNI are suitable and provide a formal, structured way for a learner to get the relevant training and qualifications. However, whilst there is a continued willingness within the sector to develop and train staff, this is often tempered by a lack of funding and issues around staff cover.” However, funding is available for ApprenticeshipsNI through the Department for Employment and Learning, a key factor which could draw more employers into the Apprenticeship schemes. While the majority of employers stated they are unlikely to recruit new employees in the next 12 months, around half of those surveyed are still offering training to their staff, with a fifth providing ‘apprenticeship-like’ training. Lantra work to ensure that people are equipped with the right skills for careers in our sector. For further information, or to obtain a copy of the ‘Assessing the Suitability of ApprenticeshipsNI in the Environmental and Land-based Sector’ report contact the office on 028 7963 1304 or email ni@lantra.co.uk. Information on additional research being carried out by Lantra can be viewed at www.lantra.co.uk. ENDS ISSUED BY: Lantra Press Office - Paula Smyth, Marketing, Communications and Project Co-ordinator, Tel: 028 7963 1304 or email ni.media@lantra.co.uk. EDITORS NOTES: • *Assessing the suitability of ApprenticeshipsNI in the Environmental and Land-based Sector, Lantra, February 2010 • Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries represents the interests of approximately 20,000 businesses in Northern Ireland which employ around 63,000 employees (approximately 9% of the workforce). • Lantra is an employer-led organisation which is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the skills, training and business development agenda for the 17 industries in the sector. The industries represented are: agricultural crops; agricultural livestock; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; land-based engineering; production horticulture; trees and timber; and veterinary nursing.

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