Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and Craven College’s work in delivering Environmental Conservation Apprenticeships across the Yorkshire Dales, Ribble Valley and Cumbria is in line to scoop a national award.
The national finalists of the AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2019, run by FE Week and the Association of Education and Learning Providers, have been unveiled with the partnership between the college and the charity nominated in the Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care Apprenticeship provider of the year category.
The recognition comes after more than 350 entries were submitted from colleges, training providers and employers from all across the country.
Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust has been working in partnership with Craven College for ten years to deliver highly successful programmes of Environmental Conservation Apprenticeships across the region.
The scheme aims to engage and inspire young people to care about their local landscape and give them the skills to look after it in future.
More than 85 per cent of apprentices have gone on to full time employment or further education.
Richard Swires, Apprenticeships Manager at Craven College, said: “By listening to the needs of employers, YDMT and Craven College have created a programme of study using the Environmental Conservation Apprenticeship Framework, plus additional certificated qualifications funded by YDMT to add value and enhance the learner experience.
“The combination of the Apprenticeship and the additional training was an attractive package for both employers and students as this brought with it the skills and expertise that employers were looking for.
“Some apprentices have undertaken chainsaw or trailer licence training for instance whilst others have been supported to gain their driving licence. Courses such as plant identification and brush cutter use have taken place for some learners and all apprentices gained a Level 3 Outdoor First Aid certificate.
“We strongly believe that this partnership is an excellent example of how apprenticeships can not only provide excellent employment opportunities but how shaping young people in this particular sector will have a huge impact on the future of our countryside, wildlife and environment.”
Jo Boutler, Dales & Fells Trainee Scheme Co-ordinator at YDMT, added: “We are proud of our association with Craven College and the fact that together we are enabling a new generation to protect, conserve, enhance and continue living in the special area in which they grew up.
“As well as adding value with certificated courses, we involve apprentices in our other projects and in each other’s work to broaden their experience. Alongside that, several have also taken the opportunity to get involved in the national Our Bright Future programme, helping to shape environmental policy for the future.”
The awards are part of the Annual Apprenticeship Conference, which is run in partnership with the Department for Education and takes place at Birmingham’s ICC from March 27 to 28.
Winners of all awards will be announced at a glittering ceremony during the Annual Apprenticeship Conference Gala Dinner on March 28.
Those shortlisted were also invited to attend a special reception at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by Commons education select committee chair Robert Halfon.
Green Futures is one of 31 Our Bright Future projects across the UK. Each one is equipping 11-24 year olds to make a difference in their local community and for the environment. Our Bright Future is a £33 million programme funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
