The search is on for about a dozen potential high fliers for the first-ever 16-month agri-industry management programme developed by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and delivered through Cedar Associates.
The 2014/15 Professional Manager Development Scheme will bring selected managers together for 10 sessions through to June 2015, each time for an evening discussion with visiting speakers followed by a day of management training. Completing the comprehensive programme will lead to an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Certificate in First Line Management (Level 5).
The scheme is aimed at managers from all agricultural sectors who want to become more effective and efficient in their role. They must also be in a position to make changes to improve the business.
The project manager for industry skills development at AHDB, Tess Howe, has based the programme on the successful professional management scheme she previously introduced for the pig industry while working for AHDB’s pig division, BPEX.
“This scheme has been designed to challenge and develop the skills base of managers to meet the needs of our industry,” she said. “The impact the pig industry scheme has had on participants has been amazing, both professionally and personally.
“The scheme is also all about improving understanding and promoting communication within and across sectors, while raising the level of professionalism in the industry – all strong themes from the recently launched, AHDB-led AgriSkills Strategy.”
AHDB levy payers will be eligible for a substantial discount to attend the course which will cost them only £700, including registration, tutor and hotel fees.
Non-levy payers can apply, but will be subject to the full £3,500 cost of attending the course should they be successful in gaining a place. Participants, who will have to have the full support of their employer, will need to demonstrate to an interview panel that they’re already operating in a role with change management responsibilities.
The closing date for applications is January 10, 2014, and interviews will be held in Peterborough on January 20.
For more information, contact Tess Howe on 07779 321078, or email tess.howe@ahdb.org.uk