Lantra Sector Skills Council is asking anyone working with production and amenity horticulture to participate in an extensive review examining roles, skills and responsibilities of those working in the horticulture industry.
David Winn, Lantra’s Horticulture Manager said: “The Standards are a great tool to help employers identify the skills their business need at all levels of employment, highlight best practice, develop training plans and develop job descriptions. These Standards also form the basis of future horticulture qualifications, so by sharing your expertise today you will be improving the workforce of tomorrow.
“What makes this consultation unique is that the two separate standards for production horticulture and amenity horticulture are being combined, to create a more complete and definitive standard for horticulture. This is wonderful news as it will ensure that all training in horticulture will be to the same high standards.”
From now until September 2011, Lantra is collecting comments from those working in industry. Following that, there will be a series of working and steering groups through to the end of the year. After this feedback is collated into a draft National Occupational Standards (NOS), industry will be invited to review it and comment from 30 Jan to 24 Feb 2012. The final NOS should be ready later in the spring for industry to use.
NOS are an essential tool for any size business. They help to identify skills gaps and find the most relevant training and learning. This can help businesses with continuous professional development of both managers and of the workforce. Standards cannot be developed without your help. Only by working together can today’s horticulture professionals make sure that the revised Standards will take into account any new business practices and make them fit for purpose and valued.
David added: “This is your opportunity to pass on your expertise to make ensure your working practises are accurately reflected. These standards are only updated every three to five years, so get involved if you want to make an impact.”
To take part in the online consultation visit www.lantra.co.uk/NOS. If you have any questions about the upcoming review, you can contact us by emailing standardsandquals@lantra.co.uk or calling 02476 858 424.
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