Lantra announces new frameworks for Modern Apprenticeships in horticulture

Landscaping Skills: Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, has announced today (26 November) that a new Level 2 and a revised Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship framework for horticultural businesses have been approved by the Modern Apprenticeship Group (MAG) and are now available to use in Scotland.

Over the past year, Lantra has undertaken an extensive consultation with horticultural businesses, other industry professionals and training providers to review industry’s requirements for Modern Apprenticeships and ensure they are kept relevant and up-to-date to meet the changing needs of industry professionals. Following this review, a new Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 5) in horticulture has been developed and the Level 3 framework (SCQF Level 6) revised.

Jo-Anne Bryan, Lantra’s Project Manager for Frameworks, said “After close consultation with industry, it was evident that a Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 5) was in high demand. Lantra is proud to announce that the framework is now available for immediate use by training providers in Scotland.”

The new Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 5) in horticulture is the first framework at this level to be made available in the environmental and land-based sector in Scotland. The new frameworks have been widely welcomed by the horticultural industry as they meet the need identified by the industry for a Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship.

John Gillan, Managing Director of a landscape and construction company, Premiere One (Land Services) Ltd, and Chair of Lantra’s Council in Scotland, said: “The new Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship framework in horticulture is a positive step forward, and meets industry needs. Coupled with the revised Level 3 framework, it is a clear illustration that Lantra is working with employers.”

Modern Apprenticeships offer work-based learning specific to the needs of the industry, while earning a wage, either in the workplace or a combination of workplace and an approved college or training provider. Many businesses offer apprentice places across Scotland because they understand the benefits that apprentices bring to the workforce, combining relevant practical skills and technical knowledge with core skills, such as communication, working with others, problem solving, information and communication technology (ICT), and numeracy. In addition, as the Skillseekers programme is being phased out, Modern Apprenticeships are also now eligible for funding.

Jo-Anne continued, “These new frameworks are a great platform for developing a career in horticulture, encompassing parks and green space, historic and botanic gardens, landscaping, sports turf and production horticulture.”

“Within the coming year, Lantra will be assessing the remaining environmental and land-based modern apprenticeship frameworks. This has never been more important as with the government looking to increase the number of apprentices, we need to make sure the frameworks are completely up-to-date.”

Contributors to the review included businesses, trade associations such as the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the Horticultural Training Authority (HTA), the Greenkeepers Training Committee as well colleges, training providers, councils and Government organisations such as Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), and Skills 
Development Scotland.

To view or download the new modern apprenticeship frameworks in horticulture, please visit http://www.lantra.co.uk/apprenticeship-framework-documents/. To find out more about the modern apprenticeship programme or to see the upcoming schedule of framework reviews, please visit www.lantra.co.uk/apprenticeships or call 0845 707 8007.

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