Enter now for Farmers Apprentice 2018
Passionate about farming, food and the whole land-based sector? Ambitious? Got what it takes to go all the way?
If so, we want to hear from you – because Farmers Weekly is once again giving 18- to 25-year-olds the life-changing opportunity to take part in the Farmers Apprentice 2018.
The centrepiece of this prestigious competition is a one-week “bootcamp” in July, jam-packed with tasks that will test 10 apprentice candidates to their limits and help equip them with the managerial, practical and technical skills needed for a successful career.
See also: ‘Farmers Apprentice is one of the best things I’ve ever done’
Apprentices learn how to use drones © Richard Stanton
How to enter
If you are between 18 and 25 years old on the closing date of 31 March 2018, and available for the bootcamp week (15-20 July), then:
- Go to the Farmers Apprentice website
- Fill out the short application form
- Make a one-minute video of why you think you should be the next Farmers Apprentice and share this as outlined on the website
They will be put through their paces individually and in teams on a range of tasks that will push them physically and mentally. At the end of it, one will be crowned the overall winner and, as well as netting £10,000, they’ll have a CV-changing achievement under their belt.
They’ll also have made new friends and contacts because everyone at bootcamp will meet – and get intensive tutoring from – leading figures in agricultural and ancillary industries.
Along with our sponsors, Farmers Weekly runs this competition to recognise and reward talent in the next generation – we want to help young people from all backgrounds get a foot on the ladder and kickstart their careers.
So don’t worry if you haven’t got bags of experience or knowledge about farming – it’s your attitude and aptitude that counts the most.
Apprentices working on a crop task
See also: Meet the winner of the last Farmers Apprentice
Those who have taken part in previous years reckon it’s been one of the best experiences of their life – it’s helped them learn a range of new skills, opening the door to jobs and other opportunities.
The competition will be tough, so you’ll need to impress us from the off and that means wowing us with your application (see box below). An amazing week at bootcamp? The chance to win £10,000?
Support and guidance from a top agricultural businessperson who will mentor the eventual winner? If you like the sound of this – and, frankly, who wouldn’t – then we look forward to hearing from you.
Good luck.
What skills could you pick up at Farmers Apprentice bootcamp?
Farming-related careers are many and varied. They encompass everything from practical agricultural roles to ones in the supply chain or retail sectors. All of them require dynamic people with initiative and a broad skill set if UK agriculture is to remain a world leader.
Bootcamp is designed to help you hone your abilities in a diverse range of areas, whether it’s coming up with brilliant ideas yourself or taking inspiration from the top agricultural businesses who will be invited in as guest speakers.
It’s a chance to meet like-minded young movers-and-shakers plus established key figures in the sector. As a networking opportunity, frankly it’s unparalleled.
In practice, business is about dealing with people, so interpersonal skills, teamwork and a knack for negotiation will be vital. Bootcamp will be a masterclass in all these. Our would-be apprentices will be able to think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances.
We’ll also be schooling them in leadership skills, because these are rising stars who will go on to have senior roles in industry or steer family businesses through these exciting and changing times.
To meet the long-term challenges ahead, they’ll need confidence – in themselves, the people around them and the future of the industry as a whole.
Entrepreneurship is a rare quality, but it’s needed now more than ever in the farming and food chain, so that’s something we’ll look to encourage.
Don’t kick yourself for missing this opportunity. Get involved – the whole process will be an unforgettable experience.
Farmers Apprentice 2018 sponsors
Our sponsors have come together to help showcase the exciting opportunities that exist in the agricultural industry. Find out more about on the Farmers Apprentice website.
Headline sponsors:
Associate sponsors:
Boot sponsor:
