WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS?
Anyone working with animals in the South West is urged to take part in research, launched today, 1 February 2011, by Lantra and VETNET Lifelong Learning Network South West (VETNET LLN SW). This cross-industry research will look at finding out how businesses, individuals and training providers regard Apprenticeships. Lantra, the Sector Skills Council supporting people working with animals, and VETNET LLN SW, are undertaking innovative research, in the form of questionnaires and interactive focus groups, to find out industry’s views and opinions on Apprenticeships. This research is open to anyone working with animals including agricultural livestock, animal welfare centres, kennels/catteries, zoos, pet shops, grooming, veterinary nursing, farriery and horses. Lantra’s manager for animal industries, Lisa Jarvis, said: “There has been little research into Apprenticeships in the animal-related industries. Although only focused in the South West, this research is the first step to find out why people choose, or don’t choose to support Apprenticeships. Running alongside this VETNET LLN SW will be investigating how Apprenticeships are used as a route into higher education (HE), identify what HE provision is accessible to apprentices and measure the demand for this provision. Lisa continued: “If you work with animals and live in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hereford or Worcestershire then we want to talk to you today. It is really important that you let us know what you think even if you don’t know much about this programme.” To find out more about his research or to take the online questionnaire, visit www.lantra.co.uk/animal-apprenticeship-research, call 07867 908205 or email lisa.jarvis@lantra.co.uk. -ENDS- ISSUED BY: Vicky Brewin, Lantra Press Office – contact england.media@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 858 417. NOTES TO EDITOR: Aims and objectives of the Apprenticeship Progression Research Project: • To explore employer and apprentice awareness of apprenticeships in their industry • To explore employer and apprentice awareness of the value of apprenticeships for career progression or into Higher Education • To identify employer and apprentice demand and requirement for Higher Education provision • To identify current provider attitudes and opportunities to progression into Higher Education from apprenticeships • To identify the Higher Education provision that is accessible to apprentices in the South West region About Apprenticeships • An Apprenticeship is a package of learning that mixes on and off-the-job learning to make sure apprentices get the skills and knowledge they need. • This programme partners the Apprentice with an employer and a training provider to provide both the practical and the academic skills needed. About Lantra • 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. • An independent UK organisation, Lantra works with employers and the UK’s governments to address the skills and productivity needs of approximately 230,000 businesses (one in every ten UK businesses) in: 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. About VETNET LLN SW • VETNET LLN is a National Network of Veterinary schools, Universities and Colleges committed to providing opportunities for students on vocational courses to get into Higher Education. • VETNET LLN was established to increase opportunities for vocational learners to progress into veterinary and animal related higher education. • This project will further underpin the VETNET LLN SW Regional Progression Agreement as no research on the apprenticeship route to higher education (HE) was carried out during the development of this Agreement. The relevant animal-related and veterinary Apprenticeships are within the scope of the Agreement as potential progression routes to higher education (HE).
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