OAKCHURCH Farm Shop in Staunton-on-Wye, Herefordshire, is the latest county business to support the 100 in 100 Herefordshire initiative.

From it’s humble beginnings in 1970 as a ‘pick your own’ fruit and veg farm Oakchurch has consistently grown and developed to meet demands of it’s customers.

With a reputation for quality products and service it’s now a popular destination for shoppers from all over the county.

Amongst the many attractions on site Oakchurch now boasts a food hall, restaurant and garden centre.

Speaking about the decision to join the apprenticeship scheme, Oakchurch owner Ros Price said: “We take a lot of pride in the service we deliver to our patrons here at Oakchurch.

“It’s that quality service that has, in no small way, helped us grow over the years.

“Within our staff we have some highly skilled people and we saw an apprentice as a great opportunity to give something back.

“The apprenticeship we are offering is for a butcher and, as well as gaining hands-on experience, it would also generate a nationally recognised qualification for one lucky individual”.

Speaking about Oakchurch Farm Shop and its newly created vacancy, regional coordinator for the National Apprentice Service, Julia Bakewell said: “It’s fabulous that Oakchurch have joined the scheme.

“It’s the involvement of local businesses that will really make this initiative a success, not only for the businesses but the local community as a whole”.

For further information on this vacancy and others, or to apply, visit apprenticeships.org.uk/Be-an- Apprentice.

AN apprentice butcher has made the finals of the EDI Award for Apprentice of the Year.

One of the West Midlands’ highly commended finalists, Joshua Brown, from Essington Fruit Farm near Wolverhampton, was in the apprentice of the year category.

Joshua started his apprenticeship in March 2010 and has successfully completed an NVQ in food manufacture retail butchery and a level two award in principles of working in food manufacture with the support of his learning provider, Telford College of Arts and Technology.

Joshua is currently working in a small team preparing cuts of meat for cooking, preparing various flavored sausages, dry cured bacon, making hot eating pies as well as award winning pork pies.

In his citation, Joshua’s employer said: “Joshua has an excellent work ethic, his punctuality is faultless and he has cheerfully tackled any job asked of him.

“His work output and range of skills make him a highlyvalued and much-liked team member.

“He has been transformed into a young man with exciting prospects in a trade with a good future.

“He demonstrates the essence of what an apprenticeship is all about.”

Visit apprenticeship.org.uk for further information on apprenticeships.

Or if you would like to be involved in the campaign contact Julia Bakewell on 07917 613389 or email Julia.Bakewell@ apprenticeships.gov.uk.