How Apprentices are helping businesses to grow
The important role that Apprentices play in UK businesses is being celebrated this March with the seventh National Apprenticeship Week.
Lantra, the sector skills council for land-based and environmental industries, has always promoted the importance of Apprentices and the benefits they deliver to individuals, businesses and the economy. Coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, the week runs from 3–7 March 2014 and will see a series of events held across England and Wales.
Lantra has developed a range of Apprenticeship frameworks in a number of industries including agriculture, equine, veterinary nursing, horticulture, animal care, fisheries management, fencing and trees and timber. Jo-Anne Bryan, Lantra’s Project Manager for Apprenticeships, said: “Lantra’s Apprenticeship frameworks provide learners and employers alike with many benefits. They provide on-the-job training so that employees can contribute to the business whilst gaining the skills and experience that the business needs.”
All Apprenticeship frameworks have been designed with industry to provide learners with the required knowledge and skills to support future progression in the industry. Production horticulture, for example, is becoming more technologically advanced, and Lantra’s Horticulture Apprenticeship can enhance learners’ skills in key areas and dramatically increase their knowledge of this diverse and rewarding industry.
Taking on an Apprentice can also benefit businesses by improving productivity and efficiency. Training an Apprentice can prove less expensive than hiring skilled staff, leading to reduced training and recruitment costs. The frameworks can support both large employers who already offer Apprenticeship programmes and wish to take on additional staff, as well as small to medium-sized employers who need to maintain a highly skilled workforce during times of economic downturn.
According to figures released by the National Apprenticeship Service, a nationwide survey revealed that 76% of employers believe Apprenticeships provide higher overall productivity, whilst 83% rely on Apprenticeship programmes to develop the skilled workers they need for the future. Furthermore 88% believe that Apprenticeships contribute to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
Lantra is soon to launch a new careers website with a dedicated Apprenticeship page, among other resources. The site will feature career factsheets, case studies, a careers A to Z and an interactive RoleFinder. It provides users with all the tools and information they need to embark on a career in this exciting and diverse sector.
For more information about Lantra’s Apprenticeship frameworks and the benefits they can deliver, visit www.lantra.co.uk/apprenticeship or call 02476 696 996. To keep up-to-date with all Lantra Careers news, including details of the new website please visit www.facebook.com/lantracareers or follow @LantraCareers on Twitter.
ENDS
ISSUED BY Lantra Press Office
Jane Cummins
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Tel: 02476 696 996 or email: jane.cummins@lantra.co.uk
Notes to editor:
• Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need
• Lantra represents 16 industries: agriculture; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscaping and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary activities
• By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills
• For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.
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Lantra on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LantraSSC
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