Concordia will introduce its new student programme, Student Worker Education Programme (SWEP), at the National Fruit Show, which will run from October 17-19.

The new and innovative programme of study will be available to students of agriculture and horticulture in 2008. The scheme is designed to enable qualifying students to gain UK nationally recognised qualifications whilst gaining work experience on Concordia farms. Applicants must be undergraduates at a university or higher education college in cooperation with Concordia, with a requirement for a period of practical training as part of their course.

The work-based training is with Concordia registered growers who will be asked to provide as wide a range of practical training as possible. Five growers have piloted the programme this year. Over the next few weeks Concordia will be running road shows throughout the UK for Concordia registered employers at which SWEP will be introduced to those employers who want to become involved in the programme.

“This new SWEP initiative is an excellent approach to education with all the partners in a win-win situation,” said Christine Lumb, the executive director of Concordia. “Students are the big winners in this well-thought out programme as they really have huge gains to show for their time in the UK in terms of enhancing their degrees with UK qualifications and experience. Universities are able to offer their students the opportunity of practical experience using the most modern technology within their degree structure. Employers in UK benefit by having well motivated young people who will dedicate their time in the UK to learning as they work.”

The course includes structured seminar days and leads to UK nationally recognised examinations. Concordia is working with land-based colleges throughout the UK to deliver the SWEP scheme, with quality assurance arrangements undertaken by Plumpton College in East Sussex. The duration of the course may vary slightly but is based on a six month study/training period.