Applications open for new nature-friendly farming apprenticeship

Would-be apprentices keen to work in nature-friendly farming have just a few days left to apply for what is a unique scheme operating in Cumbria. 

The course is run by Cumbria Connect, and offers two positions for a Level 3 Apprenticeship leading to the Level 3 Livestock Technician qualification, with applications due to close on Monday 11 December. 

Successful applicants will gain valuable on-farm employment experience across three sites – the RSPB at Haweswater, Lowther Estate and Low Beckside Farm with the Ernest Cook Trust.

See also: What does the future hold for agricultural apprenticeships?

The organisers say this will yield a wealth of practical knowledge for apprentices, allowing them to build skills in sustainable land management practices, including nature-friendly farming, the creation of new habitats and the restoration of existing ones. 

At the end of the 18 months, apprentices will have become qualified and proficient in working with livestock, using farm machinery, and brush cutting.

Bill Kenmir, conservation manager at Cumbria Connect, said: “A key part of the programme is to encourage farming and conservation communities to work together, to pool our collective knowledge, skills and resources to work through this time of change in farming and land management.

“This apprenticeship scheme is specifically designed to do this, and it will also provide the participants with a broad range of skills and understanding to launch successful careers in sustainable farming and nature restoration.”

Case study 

At just 20 years old, Elli Foxton became the first nature-friendly farming apprentice on the Cumbria Connect scheme earlier this year.

She is now six weeks into the new course. 

“There are three farms within the apprenticeship, so I’m gaining valuable work experience and learning three completely different approaches to doing things,” Ms Foxton explains. 

“I’ve loved spending time on the Lowther Estate with their Longhorn cattle, water buffalo and pigs.

“Coming up in the next couple of weeks I have the opportunity to learn hedge laying and dry stone walling at Low Beckside Farm with the Ernest Cook Trust.

“This apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity – a once in a lifetime thing. It pays a good wage and all the training is fully funded.

“I also believe it gives you a head start with future job prospects from the experience it gives you working in three different workplaces.”