City & Guilds and the National Proficiency Training Council have merged their land-based and environmental award schemes.

NPTC has become the latest member of the City & Guilds Group and will manage, administer and certify over 115 courses ranging from livestock production to floristry.

Brian Pile, Chairman of NPTC, said that rural industry would benefit from the merger.

'We are committed to supporting individuals re-skill in areas where jobs are significantly changing in character as well as encouraging the rural industries to get the best out of their land assets.'

Keith Brooker, Director of Group Marketing and Products at City & Guilds said that the merger would 'provide a fresh focus on the sector' and lead to the development of new products and services to suit the changing needs of rural industries.