Changes ahead for work-based learning
Charged by the Scottish Government to work with industry to identify the most suitable form of work-based vocational learning, Lantra Sector Skills Council has identified a significant demand for Level 2 Modern Apprenticeships within the environmental and land-based sector.
‘Skills for Scotland – A Lifelong Learning Strategy’ published by the Scottish Government is now recommending the extension of the current Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme in place of the current Skillseekers Programme. The Skillseekers Programme is now being phased out, with no further starts being approved after 21 March 2011. Lantra’s National Director for Scotland, Willie Fergusson said: “With an awareness that funding for Skillseekers was coming to an end, Lantra have been pro-active in the development of three Level 2 Modern Apprenticeships (Agriculture, Horticulture and Land-based Engineering) which are funded and can be delivered by training providers. We are also currently working on the development of several others Modern Apprenticeships at both Level 2 and Level 3, these include: Aquaculture, Environmental Conservation, Equine, Game and Wildlife Management, and Trees and Timber.” A Modern Apprenticeship is a package of learning and qualifications combined with practical work experience gained through employment in a chosen industry. This means that an apprentice has the opportunity to develop their skills and career in the sector whilst being paid on the job. Further information about apprenticeships can be obtained by contacting the office on 01738 553311 or emailing Lantra.scotland@lantra.co.uk. ENDS ISSUED BY: Lantra Press Office - Paula Smyth, Marketing, Communications and Project Co-ordinator - Tel: 028 7963 1304 or e-mail: scotland.media@lantra.co.uk EDITORS NOTES: • 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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