The Trailblazer Apprenticeship standards in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscaping are the result of two years’ of work by more than 40 employers, eight industry bodies and 18 training and assessment organisations.
The project has been led by principal group chair Richard Trippett of Bartlett Tree Experts, Geraint Richards of the Duchy of Cornwall and Neil Huck of Ground Control to develop the standards for the Arborist, Forest Operative, and Horticulture/Landscape Operative apprenticeships.
In addition, a new standard for the Horticulture and Landscape Supervisor apprenticeship has been approved. Now assessment plans and training specifications are being developed.
Trippett said: "It has been very useful opportunity to be leading this Trailblazer. Along with colleagues from the industry we have been able to set out a comprehensive training programme for people new to the industry, the involvement at this early stage has been invaluable. We are certain that the new trailblazer apprenticeship will be able to provide employers with skilled and qualified candidates with real life work experience who are able to progress into a career in arboriculture."
Huck, who chaired the Horticulture Sub Group said his company, Ground Control saw the benefit of the new apprenticeships and has supported them from day one.
"These apprenticeships will provide the industry's future skilled workforce, which is why it has been so important they were employer rather training provider led."
The development of the apprenticeships has been a significant undertaking for those involved in the Trailblazer Project. They now look forward to working with employers and training providers on their successful delivery.
