The Soil Association is officially launching its Organic Apprenticeship Scheme this month, following a one-year pilot phase.
The initiative is a two-year programme run in partnership with the Organic Growers Alliance and the Organic Advisory Service, aiming to encourage young people and new entrants into organic farming by offering a structured, practical training programme, and to promote organic farming as an attractive career choice.
The Soil Association also aims to help provide employment opportunities for those at the end of their apprenticeships, by linking them together with its network of more than 2,800 organic producers.
An open day will be held on October 22 at Hawkwood College, near Stroud, to give new and hopeful apprentices a chance to find out more about the scheme.
Ben Raskin, Soil Association horticultural development manager, said: “I believe that apprenticeships are the key to maintaining a well-equipped and experienced farming workforce. This scheme presents a great opportunity for anyone looking to start a career in organic farming or growing - particularly for those who choose not to take a formal education route.”
Pete Richardson of Coleshill Organics, who took part in the pilot scheme as a mentor and will be giving seminars to the apprentices in the coming year, said: “The future of farming and growing in this country depends on finding and motivating young people to work on the land and giving them the practical skills to succeed.”
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