The Trailblazer project was set up in order to create high standard apprenticeships in the landscape and horticulture sector. The project utilised the help of employers, training associations and industry bodies in order to develop the apprenticeships that have recently been given government approval. The apprenticeships will help young people train and work in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscaping.
The team that has been involved so far in the project has been congratulated for the news that the Government has given the Trailblazer Apprenticeships the approval for delivery. At the moment all four of the industries that are focused on as a part of the Trailblazer project are experiencing a skills shortage. This means that in order to secure the future of the industries, more young people need to be recruited and enticed into a career in these areas.
Involved in getting the approval for delivery for the Trailblazer Project were 40 employers, 8 industry bodies and 18 training and assessment organisations. The Trailblazer project has been up and running since 2015 and has been overseen by a number of key members: Geraint Richards of the Duchy of Cornwall, the Bartlett Tree Experts Richard Trippett and Neil Huck, who works for Ground Control. The team have managed to develop the training standards across the four industries, and are now looking to make sure that the apprenticeships are delivered to the proper standards in order to secure the future of the horticulture, landscaping, agriculture and forestry industries.
The launch event took place in the new offices of the Horticultural Trades Association in Didcot, Oxfordshire and was attended by 75 delegates from around 50 organisations. The presentations that took place at the event in the morning, with breakout sessions in the afternoon for each industry to offer more in depth knowledge of the apprenticeships on offer.