Former ‘Dairy Industry Woman of the Year’ takes on key agricultural #apprenticeships role

The former ‘Dairy Industry Woman of the Year 2017’ and Farmers’ Guardian ‘Farming Hero of the Year 2018’ is appointed to lead the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s (the Institute) influential Route Panel for Agricultural, Environment and Animal Care

Route Panels have an integral role in developing and approving high quality apprenticeships for our modern workforce

Today (11 July) Dr Jude Capper has been announced as the Chair for the Institute’s   Agricultural, Environment and Animal Care Route Panel.

Jude currently works as an independent Livestock Sustainability Consultant based in Oxfordshire, a business which she created herself during her time in the US before moving the business back to the UK in 2015. In 2018 Jude was awarded associate membership of the Royal Agricultural Society and was the Farmers’ Guardian’s ‘Farming Hero of the Year’.

Speaking about the appointment, Dr Jude Capper said:

“I’m really excited to be taking on this role. Apprenticeships are vital for the future of our sector. We have an ageing workforce and need to train more enthusiastic young people. There’s also lots of science and technology involved with farming and apprenticeships can prepare far more people to reap the benefits of these advances.”

Jude’s role as chair of the route will see her play an influential role in the development and approval of new apprenticeships for her sector.

Sir Gerry Berragan, Chief Executive of the Institute welcoming her appointment said:

“It is a great asset for the Institute and apprenticeships in general that Jude has agreed to Chair this Route Panel. She has a huge amount of experience in her industry and, as a well-respected figure, she will be instrumental in developing and promoting high-quality apprenticeships that make a real difference to the future of the agricultural sector.”

The Route Panels bring together industry experts to discuss and agree the standards of knowledge, skills and behaviours needed in apprenticeships for every occupation in England.

The Chairs lead their groups in reviewing and recommending apprenticeship standards and assessment plans and advising on funding levels on behalf of the institute.

22 new apprenticeship standards have so far been approved for use so far for the Agricultural, Environment and Animal Care.