Bringing Animal-Related Apprenticeships into Focus
10/5/2011 5:43 AM EST
For immediate release
More needs to be done on raising the awareness of apprenticeships in animal and veterinary related industries, according to new research published by Lantra Skills Council and VETNET Lifelong Learning Network South West (VETNET LLN SW).
The report, ‘Progression to Higher Education from Veterinary Nursing and Animal-related Apprenticeships’, outlines the findings of recent research on progression routes to Higher Education (HE) in animal-related subjects. It is the result of collaboration between Lantra and VETNET Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) South West and research was gathered from 125 individuals, businesses, (training providers) and Higher Education providers in the South West region.
Lisa Jarvis, Lantra’s Animal Health and Welfare Manager said: “This research highlights the general confusion around advanced apprenticeships, as well as a lack of awareness from Higher Education providers on the suitability of apprenticeships as a progression route.
“The upcoming increases in tuition fees might increase the demand for training and qualifications to be delivered through non-standard and less costly means. Apprenticeships provide a different route into the industry, generating income for the student and providing additional opportunities to enter the industry and also to progress onto higher education.”
This research also identifies that HE providers should be encouraged to develop and publish an entry policy for apprenticeships. While there are currently alternative access routes recognised by universities from other vocational courses such as Level 3 Diplomas and the new 14-19 framework, apprenticeships are not always recognised or acknowledged and might not be considered by students.
HE providers are also encouraged to clearly state their institution’s position on apprenticeships as an entry route, even if this is to confirm they do not provide direct entry and to identify additional entry requirements.
To read the full report, please visit
www.lantra.co.uk/research. For more information on Lantra please visit
www.lantra.co.uk. To find out more about VETNET LLN SW, visit.
www.vetnetlln.ac.uk ENDS
ISSUED BY
Lantra Press Office
Samuel Zelmer-Jackson, PR Co-ordinator
Tel: 02476 858 418 or email
Follow Lantra on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/LantraSSCNOTES TO EDITOR
About Lantra
• Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need.
• Lantra represents 16 industries: agriculture; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscaping and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary activities.
• By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills.
• For more information see
www.lantra.co.uk.
About VETNET LLN SW
• VETNET LLN is a National Network of Veterinary schools, Universities and Colleges committed to providing opportunities for students on vocational courses to get into Higher Education.
• VETNET LLN was established to increase opportunities for vocational learners to progress into veterinary and animal related higher education.
• This project will further underpin the VETNET LLN SW Regional Progression Agreement as no research on the apprenticeship route to higher education (HE) was carried out during the development of this Agreement. The relevant animal-related and veterinary Apprenticeships are within the scope of the Agreement as potential progression routes to higher education (HE).
• For more information see
www.vetnetlln.ac.uk, the website for the VETNET LLN Association website