Developing Business In The Garden Industry
E-Strategy turning into eLearning reality
The successful training partnership between the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Horticultural Development Company (HDC) will be continuing, following the commitment by both organisations to a 15 month project, starting this month.. The training defined under the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) will be turned into reality, with the next phase focusing on delivering the x8 Level 2 (equivalent to a GCSE) training modules for a Horticultural Worker.
The HTA and HDC have recognised the economic challenges being faced by members and will be leading the way for Ornamental plant producers, by designing training to be delivered on-line. By delivering online, costs will be kept to a minimum for members, time away from the nursery will not be needed and the business and individuals can evidence their professionalism and skill set.
Ornamental plant producers will benefit from accessible training through a blend of e-learning and practical nursery exercises. The training modules will provide employees with the technical knowledge to support their job role, wrapped up with a real understanding of the commercial context of why, what they do is so important.
Training modules will be nationally recognised and accredited, providing individuals who succeed a great recognition of their achievement whilst giving businesses the opportunity to promote the professionalism of their staff.
The Training modules are:
Introduction to nursery operations
Crop observation and identification skills
Crop Irrigation
Introduction to plant growth and development
Taking delivery and care of plants
Plant propagation
Working within a team
Materials handling
Steve Tones, Business Development Manager at HDC said: “I am delighted to see the important foundation work begun by the Knowledge Transfer Partnership move forward in this way. The e-learning approach will give very busy people flexible access to accredited training developed from HDC best practice guidelines. If ornamental growers find it useful, I hope it will become a model for other sectors.”
Tim Briercliffe, Director of Business Development at HTA said: “It has been great to see the enthusiasm from growers as we develop this new training programme on an e-learning platform. The pilot that we ran really worked and with the support of HDC we can now move forwards and turn these great plans into reality to support the kind of training that the industry clearly wants.”
We need your input so please get in touch:
Penny Evans, HTA Training and Careers Manager, email: penny.evans@the-hta.org.uk.
or Sian Stiles, HTA Training Administrator, email: sian.stiles@the-hta.org.uk
Contacts
Gill Ormrod, Angela Bean or Cassie King
HTA Media Office
Tel: 0118 930 3132
Email: media.office@the-hta.org.uk
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/htanews
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the trade association for the UK garden industry. It is dedicated to helping develop the industry and its member businesses, including most garden centres and other garden retailers, growers, landscapers, manufacturers and service providers.
The HTA was founded in 1899. Its key roles include: provision of advice-based services such as business improvement schemes, briefings and help lines; training, conferences and events for members; market information and research; promotions such as the National Garden Gift Voucher scheme; and working closely with government and the media to influence policy and projects.
Last updated: 26/06/2012 15:49