Sainsbury’s welcomes first horticultural apprentices

Monday September 22nd 2014

 

Apprentices have started on the first retailer-led national apprenticeship scheme for horticulture and agriculture this month.

The Sainsbury’s scheme is offering a City & Guilds accredited Level 2 Diploma which gives apprentices practical experience of working with horticulture companies that supply the supermarket.

The retailer has worked with Staffline Agriculture, the British Growers Association and EDGE Apprenticeships in Food and Farming to get the scheme established. The first cohort will see each apprentice given a role at a Sainbury's supplier where they will also receive classroom training and on the job assessment as they work towards their level 2 apprenticeship.

The apprentices have begun their 20-month-long placement with visits to Strawsons and Winchester Growers before starting in varied roles across Sainsbury’s fruit and vegetable suppliers.

Robert Honeysett, Sainsbury’s horticultural manager said: “Food production across agriculture and horticulture is becoming ever more important to the UK, our apprenticeship is about bringing talented and dedicated people into our supply chain so we can plan for the future.  It’s exciting that the apprentices have started this week and we encourage employers and potential apprentices to get in contact if they’re interested in joining subsequent groups.”