Last year's students on the Cumbria Farmer Network Farm Assistant Scheme have completed their final piece of training before embarking on a career in agriculture. At the end of May, the students learned how to shear sheep, and were subsequently presented with a certificate of competence, having completed 12 months agricultural training on the job.
And now places are available for young people, who want a career in farming on the 2007 Farm Assistant Scheme, which starts next month.
Assistant Manager Will Rawling said: "We are looking for new students aged 16 to 24 to start on the scheme in July, with a block of training at the start in August, followed by extra training throughout the rest of the year."
This is the third year the scheme has been organised, with 24 days training provided over the year in different locations, with a mix of practical and business training, eg tractor driving, business planning, animal care, negotiation, sheep dipping, tax returns, health & safety, ATV handling, and much more.
The Network finds farmers who are willing to take on the young people, usually working on short-term contracts, provides support and guidance over the year, and even organises work experience if any trainees need this before they start the scheme.
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They stress that as long as the young people are prepared to work hard and are willing to listen and learn, they will be welcome on farm and get great satisfaction in taking part in the scheme.
James Stevenson, one of the 2006 students said: "I have improved my technical skills in different subjects and gained practical experience which helped me get employment on farms."
Anyone with a keen interest in working on farms in Cumbria should contact Susan Harper at The Cumbria Farmer Network (01768) 868615 for an application pack.Labels: education online, financial aid, free college, free education, high school, student loans |
