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when i was going through my greenkeeping apprenticeship i went to Gosta Training LTD in bridgeton, they also cover landscaping
when i was going into my third year they had to get the forms signed before i was 21 to get the funding they needed from the government
they also cover all the extra tickets like spraying, chainsaw etc
http://www.gostatraining.co.uk/index.php
maybe best to give them a phone but here is what they say on their site about funding
Government Funding
Skills Development Scotland provides funding towards the cost of the Modern Apprenticeship Programme at both Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 2 and Level 3. Full funding support is available for candidates aged between 16-19 years and reduced funding for those between the ages of 20-24 years.
Please contact GOSTA Training for confirmation of eligibility for funding support.
In England the age cut-off is for grants and fees - so I think 16-19 old the college fees are paid for, so free for you, and you get a £1500 grant. Pay for the apprentice can be at the apprentice rate or higher, min £3.30 for the duration of the course.
For 20-24, you pay the course fees, typically one off at beginning of course. Ones we looked at are from £450 to £1000. You MAY get a grant to help of £1500. Not sure how it works, seems to be pushed differently by different colleges. Pay for the apprentice can be apprentice rate for the first 12 months, then their minimum wage.
Above 24 - no grant, you pay the fees and normal salary.
Things to consider:
Enrolment on college course timing to co-incide with you employing them.
Distance learning via the web and tutor visits to you vs day release (1 day per week for approx 30 weeks) per year.
The candidates suitability for the course - the college will test and provide extra learning assistance if needed.
Hours work time limits for 16-17yr olds.
Find the right course and pathway - we do horticulture with sports turf maintenance. Some colleges will tailor more than others.
Good luck - were going through this at the moment; hopefully for start in a couple of weeks.
it will probably be a August/september start, so will be looking into it. Whether I look at a 1 year or 11 week course,
but will be benefiting him in the long run.
Looking more at hard landscaping, as they cover brickwork, slabbing and a bit of woodwork.
I had an apprentice from my local college.
In England, if the apprentice is 19 or over they qualify for apprentices national minimum wage (£3.30) in their fist year of employment. After their first year they qualify for National minimum wage (£6.70). So your guy (24) would be on £3.30 an hour for the first year (if you chose to pay him MW).
They have the same rights as any other employee, the only difference being the wage. They get the same holiday and sick pay entitlement and you will need to have the relative insurance and paperwork for an employee.
I think the grants have ended now in England and they do push you to pay for the course fee's. The local agricultural college to me is BCA and the spraying course was an additional cost, not sure if is the same at all colleges though.
Good luck if you choose to go down this route as it can be great for both parties if it works out.
I'm more thinking for his future, it's better to have a qualification than just being stuck to labouring till the day he's on a pension.
Hes willing to go to college and learn which is half the battle .
And be good for me as il pick up different techniques and ways of working.
More just getting him into a course and seeing If I need to pay the whole course or get help to it.
Everything on the college websites is a bit vague.
Hi Peter, what part of Scotland are you living. I have taken on an apprentice this year, based in Fife with him doing his course at Oatridge. He is there 4 weeks a year, residential for a week at a time.
I got 50% funding for him for 6 months. Its not a lot but it helps. The apprentice course cost is covered for the first two years via Scottish government funding. I have to pay for the accommodation and food costs, but that's minimal.
I believe 24 is the oldest age for modern apprentices. You should speak to your local council who should help, or Business Gateway. If the fail to help, I have a number of someone at the SRUC who may help.
John Somerville
there was a guy at 28 and one at 32 in my first year then they went into the landscapers class
going to college is the best thing he will do, its great for you as you get an employee for a lower cost than normal and you have incredibly more input into his technique than someone walking in the door with loads of years of experiance
just don't teach him the shortcuts until after hes finished at college!!
They don't make it very easy for employers wanting to get there employees better qualifications.
Always phone this number or try this link.
I went through a bricklayer Apprenticeship Gavin, 4 year course and there were 3 people, over 30 who funded the course for themselfs.
Just wanted to try something different.
And yes if he's trained correct from start he won't have bad habits or that way of thinking.
Of course like everybody, shortcuts will creep in.
Hi Peter,
I have recently started working with an organisation called Slic Training and we deliver work based training for apprentices delivering SVQ's etc. in horticulture/landscaping.
The way we work is we come out to you and all the work is undertaken on site. Generally I will come out and we will go thorough some of the theory and then I will carry out an observation of the work being done and deliver any relevant training. The main benefit of this approach is that you don't loose you member of staff for a day and they can keep working for you while gaining the qualification.
If you want any information on what we are able to offer drop me an email on Matthew.Lowe@slictraining.org.uk and I can get back to you with information on funding etc.
Cheers,
Matt
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