A FARM event to improve awareness of the benefits an apprentice can bring to businesses will take place at Peter Tavy next week.

The event is being held as part of National Apprenticeship Week, by Moorskills in partnership with Duchy College, Stoke Climsland.

Moorskills is a farmer-led apprenticeship scheme which aims to maintain the skills and traditions of Dartmoor hill farming, by working with the college to provide on-farm training and specific skills to Dartmoor, as well as a land-based diploma in livestock.

Moorskills was the 2011 regional winner of small employer of apprentices, has been placed for 2011 in the City and Guild top 100 apprenticeship employers, and won the West Devon mayoral green award and the Prince of Wales award for innovative working with young people in 2007.

It has worked with more than 20 apprentices, 17 of whom are still working on Dartmoor upland farms.

The farmer partnership approach is a new concept, which has worked and has been used as a model in other parts of the country.

One farmer said in a review that 'the apprentice comes as a blank canvas and we have the responsibility to create a masterpiece'.

People are invited to learn more of this exciting apprenticeship and how it could relate to their type of business — it doesn't have to be a farming.

There will be subject specialists covering topics such as employment law, government support, eligibility and vacancies and employment as well as past and present apprentices and farmer employers ready to share their highs and lows of apprenticeships.

The event is from 11am to 2pm on Thursday, February 9 at Lower Godsworthy, Peter Tavy, and is hosted by Colin and Torie Abel. Come suitably dressed for being on a farm.

There will be a pasty lunch. Those interested must confirm they will be attending — contact Sandra on 01822 890913.