The new generation of Myerscough College Agriculture Apprentices attended their first apprentice only workshop of the year at the College’s Farm on Wednesday 24 October. 

In a strong turnout, sixteen of Myerscough’s new agriculture apprentice attended the workshop, representing farms from across Lancashire, including: Green Lane Farm in Salmesbury; Baker Farm in Warton; Hall Carr Farm in Longton; Robin Hood Farm in Ribchester and Denham Springs Farm in Brindle.

The apprentice workshop gives Myerscough’s young agriculture apprentices the chance to meet, swap stories from their first few months on the job, and the rare opportunity to exchange learning experiences with other young agriculture apprentices.

In addition to networking with like-minded apprentices, the workshop provides new apprentices with a chance to experience College life on campus as well as receiving practical and theoretical training. This year apprentices were treated to a mastitis seminar with Tracey Taylor from Oakhill Veterinary Centre on behalf of Tom Goatman (Dairy Co).

Holding workshops for new apprentices at the start of the new academic year is vitally important, especially for agriculture apprentices who, due to the nature of their apprenticeship (based on-site in rural locations) might otherwise not get the chance to meet and share experiences with other young people following the apprenticeship route. Steve Heath from Myerscough College explains:

“For the majority of these young apprentices, day to day life on the farm is their way of life. Because Myerscough College provides training on site in the workplace, as part of their apprenticeship, our workshops give the apprentices a chance to meet each other and share their experiences. Just as first-class training is key to developing young apprentices, providing enrichment opportunities throughout the year is also important to their development.”

All sixteen apprentices are enrolled on the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Agriculture (Livestock Production). The 18 month apprenticeship provides a paid, full-time job and training, which leads to a qualification. The training is delivered in the workplace and provides the apprentice with both the practical skills and technical knowledge required for their first role in the industry.

Further Information: For full details on Myerscough College’s range of Agriculture Apprenticeships, please visit www.myerscough.ac.uk or follow this link