Sainsbury’s horticultural apprentices step into their role
Working with Staffline Agriculture, the British Growers Association and EDGE Apprenticeships in Food and Farming, this is the first cohort on the scheme with further cohorts planned for 2015. Each apprentice has a role at a grower supplying Sainsbury’s and receives classroom training as well as on the job assessment in order to gain their level 2 apprenticeship.
The apprentices began their 20-month-long placement this week with visits to Strawsons and Winchester Growers before starting in varied roles across Sainsbury’s fruit and vegetable suppliers from apples through to mushrooms.
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.”
Alex Parkinson, Sainsbury’s Horticultural Apprentice said: "I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into my role at Taylorgrown. Sainsbury has created a fantastic opportunity and I'm particularly interested in learning all aspects of the job to give me the experience I need to one day become a farm manager."
Apprenticeships are an excellent way to develop the next generation of skilled colleagues through a combination of on and off the job training while gaining valuable experience within a role throughout their apprenticeship.
Those interested in joining the scheme, or who would like to discuss further, please email: farm.apprenticeships@sainsburys.co.uk