Pershore College is introducing the new forum to learn more about the current issues employers are facing and how the college can support. Attendees will be given a tour of the facilities at the college, which is part of WCG, and a chance to network with others within the industry.
The first forum will be held on Friday 6 December and is set to attract growers, nurseries, arborists, landscapers and more from across Worcestershire.
Bal Padda runs Vicarage Nurseries in the Vale of Evesham and is one of the horticulture employers planning to join the new employer forum. He has a team of 10 full-time staff and 200 season workers, specialising in strawberry and raspberry growing, and supplies to UK retailers alongside wholesalers and farmers markets.
Bal said: “Horticulture and farming are diverse, from the people coming into the sector to the range of jobs that you can pursue. There are so many opportunities for people in the sector, it isn’t just growers, and we want to work with the college to help highlight those.
“The next generation is told that the world is instant, I want to show that you can grow, nurture and be part of something. It is crucial we engage young people for the future of the sector.
“It’s really important that the college is listening to growers and moulding the courses to what we need in the industry. That is what I’m hoping to get across at the forum.”
Josh Egan-Wyer, Head of Horticulture at Pershore College, said: “It’s absolutely crucial that we hear from people in the industry about what they are experiencing and what they need to see from education to support them.
“Horticulture is an ever-evolving industry which is at the heart of new technologies, but it is also facing a skills crisis. This is one of the challenges we will be exploring at the session.
Horticulture employers interested in finding out more and attending the event can reserve their place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/horticulture-employers-forum-tickets-1053443671379
