Hadlow College has secured sponsorship for two apprentices wishing to enter the fruit production business.
The sponsorship will cover training over a three-year apprenticeship period and is worth £10,000 per apprentice.
Because the funding has been secured from the private sector, there are no age or education barriers and application from graduates and others with high-level qualifications is especially welcome, the college said.
Pat Crawford, spokesperson for Hadlow College, said: “This is a new apprenticeship programme which has been devised and structured with the help of leading fruit producers. It fills a real gap in the industry and completed apprentices are guaranteed challenging and progressive jobs in a vibrant and successful industry.”
The intention of the programme is to train entrants for supervisory and middle management roles with prospects for further progress in the industry.
Apprentices will be indentured for a three-year period during which time they will complete a nationally accredited programme including fruit production, storage, packaging, promotion, marketing and management techniques.
Application for an apprenticeship is competitive and the selection process includes interviews with sponsors, employers and Hadlow College staff.
