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#NAW2017 – Golden future for APL learners

Published
Thursday 9 Mar 2017

Myerscough College’s sector leading partnership with the Association of Professional Landscapers continues to grow, delivering a unique apprenticeship programme that provides employers with quality learning, delivered in a more manageable way.

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A delivery partnership between the APL, Myerscough College and the Landscape Skills Academy provides employers with reassurance that the support and learning received are to industry standard, pace and quality. Throughout the two-year programme apprentices take part in a total of seven, five-day long ‘boot camps’ delivered away from the workplace. The boot camps provide highly intensive and practical learning experience off the job, where as an employer you will see a difference in the knowledge and skills that the apprentice brings back to the workplace.

The apprenticeship programme is based on a qualification called the Diploma in Work-based Horticulture (Level 2). This qualification has a number of learning areas which are assessed by the apprentice producing work based evidence and uploading onto an e-Portfolio system, alongside intensive off the job training and regular employer visits.

Penny Evans is the APL Learning and Careers Manager, and said: ‘’The APL Apprenticeship Programme has defined the standards to be met and shaken up the delivery model moving away from day release to intensive five day training Bootcamps focusing on technical skills, personal responsibility and team working and a dose of inspiration.”

The partnership has already seen one learner from the scheme named the best in the UK after winning gold at the WorldSkills UK finals.

Last year Jacob Botting was announced as the ‘Best in the UK’ in landscaping at a prestigious award ceremony, winning the coveted gold medal.  Jacob is employed with Bespoke Outdoor Spaces Ltd as part of his apprenticeship, as well as being part of the APL programme.

Jacob said: ‘’I would like to personally thank my employer, Myerscough College and the APL for their support and guidance and I really hope I can inspire other young people to consider careers and apprenticeships in landscaping.”

Employer Services Manager at Myerscough College, Lee Price, said: “Jacob is a great example to other learners on what can be achieved.’’

“Strong values are at the heart of our Landscaping Apprenticeship scheme delivered in partnership with the APL. The scheme gives apprentices the opportunity to work in a safe environment, and to enhance their core skills amongst their peers.’’

“We are delighted with this new apprenticeship model. With the support of the APL and the Landscape Skills Academy the learning journey for the new apprentices is an exciting one.

‘’This is another example of how we are working closely with industry to deliver an apprenticeship that delivers exactly what is required for individuals to flourish and develop.’’

The Landscape Skills Academy was set up by RHS award winner, Jody Lidgard: ‘’There’s a gap in the market where colleges and educational establishments have been slow to fill and so these programmes will be focusing on various aspects of the industry based on the World Skills ethos of training to excellence.

‘’The focus is definitely ‘hands on’, underpinned with theory work. The aim is to produce our first generation of Landscape specialists and strive to evolve from a generalist approach to the industry.

‘’With the combination of professional delivery and course management from Myerscough College, working closely with our industry based team, we are forging the first cohort of landscape construction learners who will have the skills to propel their companies forward into an increasingly buoyant market place”.

For more information on any of the apprenticeship and work-based learning programmes available for both employers and learners at Myerscough College, please contact the Employer Services team on 01995 642255 or email employerenquiries@myerscough.ac.uk

by Dave Salmon

DSalmon@myerscough.ac.uk