Food and Farming Academy launched

Sparsholt College has launched the Central Southern Food and Farming Academy to boost continued learning in agriculture and the development of new skills.

Collectively, with leading employers from this sector, the College is looking to provide career opportunities for 15 and 16 year olds - who are interested in the agricultural food industry - with the focus of continuous professional development during a four-year programme.

The new initiative includes knowledge development followed by a period of apprenticeship to acquire further skills and qualifications.

The companies involved in the academy will provide apprenticeships on a ‘shared-basis’, enabling students to move between businesses to diversify their portfolio of skills and experience. Each of the businesses have also committed to providing ongoing employment and career development through training and other forms of CPD (Continuous Personal Development) in return for enthusiasm, commitment and effort from the selected apprentices within the academy.

The college is taking applications for places within the academy either from those who are in year 11 at school or for those who already hold qualifications or experience to start the specialist apprenticeship programme aged 18 or above.

For further information go to www.sparsholt.ac.uk or telephone 01962 776 441.