The scheme is being run by West Sussex Growers’ Association (WSGA), a specialist horticultural branch of the NFU, in partnership with training providers MDS, and has been described as 'a very exciting step' for the industry.
The project is being piloted with one student and could lead to a much bigger scheme, with potential roll-out in other horticultural locations such as Evesham Vale, Lincolnshire and the Lea Valley.
Aaron Copeland, 18, from Bognor Regis successfully became the first pilot apprentice, after an intensive assessment day in August, and began his first six-month placement working with Tangmere Airfield Nurseries, the largest dedicated pepper nursery in the UK, in October.
Rachael Williams, from WSGA said: “One of the biggest challenges in horticulture is the difficulty in finding young, motivated people to embark on careers in our exciting sector.
“In response, the WSGA has been engaging with local secondary schools and delivered assemblies to around 3,000 Year 7 students in West Sussex with the theme “What is horticulture?”
“There has also been considerable interest from older students and some Year 13 students had work experience placements with WSGA members.
“This sparked the idea for an apprenticeship which offers employment opportunities in a range of member businesses.”
“This is a very exciting step for the horticulture sector."
Rachael Williams of WSGA
The apprenticeship scheme is aimed at local young people aged 18 and above.
Participants are given the opportunity to experience the diversity of horticultural businesses and the breadth of functions including agronomy, IT, technical and engineering, while earning a salary, remaining local, receiving training and working towards an apprenticeship qualification, with potential for a permanent role at the end.
Mrs Williams said: “As highly respected providers of graduate trainee placements to its member businesses, a partnership with MDS was an obvious choice and the team of Saffy, Kirsty and Gretta have been key to working with WSGA to make this idea a reality for 18-year-old school leavers in West Sussex.”
The apprenticeship scheme will include 80 per cent on-the-job training and 20 per cent formal training, provided by the Apprenticeship College, in the form of a Level 3 Supply Chain Lead qualification.
Mrs Williams said: “In Aaron’s case, most of the training will be delivered in online live sessions but longer term we envisage potential to roll this out in other horticultural locations such as Evesham Vale, Lincolnshire and Lea Valley.
“With a minimum cohort of 10, there is the potential to launch a dedicated, bespoke apprenticeship scheme for college leavers.”
Mrs Williams added: “This is a very exciting step for the horticulture sector. Many WSGA members already offer apprenticeships in roles specific to their businesses.
“This pilot scheme offers a holistic view of horticulture and we hope will equip Aaron and subsequent candidates with the skills to be our leaders of the future.”
If successful, WSGA and MDS hope to accept applications in Spring 2025 for the apprenticeships starting October 2025.