Education Minister Launches National Apprenticeship Week with Visit to Eden Project

Photo:Back row from left – Dawn George, Liam Moore, Rob Donald, Isaac Smith, Debs Ryan and Greg Richards. Front row from left -Robert Halfon MP and Nile Maskell

Robert Halfon MP, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education, embarked on National Apprenticeship Week with a visit to the Eden Project, highlighting the significance of apprenticeships in fostering a skilled workforce for the future. During his visit on Monday, the Minister met with apprentices from the Eden Project to discuss their experiences, achievements, and future aspirations within the realm of horticulture, arboriculture, and sustainability.

The Eden Project, renowned for its commitment to environmental education and conservation, has become a nurturing ground for young talent through its extensive apprenticeship programs. These programs are designed to equip apprentices with nationally recognised qualifications while they contribute to the project’s innovative work. The Minister’s visit underscored the government’s support for apprenticeships as a pathway to skilled employment, particularly in industries critical to the environmental and economic health of the nation.

Photo: Education minister Robert Halfon visits Eden Project and meets with Eden Project apprentices

Halfon’s tour included the project’s new nursery complex, Growing Point, where he was briefed by Eden’s Chief People and Culture Officer, Dawn George, and Training Officer, Greg Richards. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a learning and development hub for apprentices, emphasising the practical application of their studies in real-world environmental projects.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the visit, Robert Halfon remarked on the inspirational role of the Eden Project’s apprentices in driving forward the green industries. He highlighted the government’s achievement in facilitating 5.7 million apprenticeship starts since 2010 and expressed optimism about the continued growth of apprenticeship opportunities across various sectors.

Photo: Education minister Robert Halfon visits Eden Project on first day of National Apprenticeship Week and tours Growing Point

Dawn George reflected on the significance of the Minister’s visit, celebrating the dedication and talent of Eden Project apprentices. She also noted the project’s ten-year partnership with Cornwall College and Truro and Penwith College in delivering these vital training programs. With recruitment for new apprenticeships set to begin in September, the Eden Project continues to offer unique opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful work that contributes to their personal development and the sustainability of the environment.

As National Apprenticeship Week progresses, the focus on apprenticeships as a key driver of community, business, and economic development is expected to inspire more young individuals to explore these valuable educational and career pathways. For more information on apprenticeships at the Eden Project, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website.