Apprentices in England are regulated by the IFATE (Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education). IFATE needs employers to help set the strategic direction for apprenticeships and the content of apprentice standards.
At a strategic level, NFU members are needed to join the agriculture, environment and animal care route panel, and the trailblazer group of employers reviewing the current Level 3 Crop Technician standard to help ensure that it is up to date and accurately reflects employer needs.
What does the route panel do?
The agriculture, environmental and animal care route panel gives strategic advice to IFATE. The role of the route panel is to:
- Provide strategic oversight of skills training needs.
- Make recommendations on the quality and relevance of the skills training offer for agriculture and horticulture.
- Help map skills training opportunities in agriculture and horticulture to identify gaps and support career progression.
- Review existing skills training opportunities to ensure they continue to meet employer needs.
Eligibility
Members of the agriculture route panel should:
- be an employer who employs their own work force or an employee working in an operational role
- be a person with a track record of professional achievement
- have knowledge and experience of the day-today realities of working in their sector
- have an appreciation of current and future skills needs in their sector
- have a passion for driving change and making a difference.
Time commitment
You will be expected to attend approximately six meetings a year – one every eight weeks. Most meetings are virtual with one/two face to face meetings each year.
Meetings last up to half a day plus preparation time. Appointments to the panel are for an initial three-year term.
Remuneration
Roles are voluntary and route panel members are not paid a fee, but reasonable expenses can be claimed.
How do I apply?
Information on how to apply for a position on the panel can be found at: IFATE.ORG| Joining an IFATE route panel.
For an informal chat on how to get involved, the agriculture route panel and the work of the NFU on education and skills contact NFU skills and employment adviser, Thomas Price, at [email protected].
More information on IFATE Route Panels is available at: IFATE.ORG | Route panels.
What does the trailblazer group do?
The agriculture and horticulture trailblazer group is responsible for developing occupational standards which form a key component of apprenticeships.
The group:
- Develops specific new apprenticeships including writing the standard.
- Reviews and amends existing apprenticeship standards as needed.
Eligibility
As the trailblazer group is starting a review of the Level 3 Crop Technician standard, farmers and growers with experience of field and container based crops are required.
Candidates to join the trailblazer group should:
- be working or have recent experience in field or container based systems
- be a person with a track record of professional achievement
- have knowledge and experience of the day-today realities of working in their sector
- have a passion for driving change and making a difference.
Time commitment
There will be approximately six virtual meetings per year lasting up to two hours in addition to preparation time.
Membership of the trailblazer group is voluntary and can be ended at any time.
Remuneration
Roles are voluntary and trailblazer members are not paid a fee, but reasonable travel expenses can be claimed in the event of a face to face meeting.
How do I apply?
To apply, contact NFU skills and employment adviser, Thomas Price, at: [email protected].
