#NAW2024: Apprentice Wednesday

At Myerscough, we have a proven track record of help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, across a variety of industries within the land-based sector.

Today’s theme is ‘Apprentice Wednesday’.

Here are just a few of our ‘success stories’:

Omar’s story

Omar began his transformational journey to live in the UK after moving from his home country Sudan. His previous life in Sudan was a busy one looking after his family farm cultivating vegetation and crops.

To continue with his history and love on farms, once Omar relocated to the UK, hew as eager to begin his new life in the agricultural field.

The struggles of his language barrier and lack of direction with how to work or grow a farm, made Omar incredibly nervous. He visited the Job Centre for guidance on how he could find vacancies in the farming sector and he was directed to Myerscough College.

From the support of our advisors and progress coaches, we were able to provide Omar with the 8-week AgriSkills camp to upskill his farming abilities. The skills camp meant Omar would be placed at a local farm in Lancashire to complete training of various skill sets such as tractor training, PA2, and PA6. He also had regular meetings with Myerscough progress coaches to build his portfolio of work to complete the AgriSkills camp.

“I wanted to have more experience working on the farm,’’ said Omar.

‘’Myerscough helped me from the beginning to the end. This (Agriskills camp) is very important for the future, for the plantation and farms to develop.’’

Omar will now be looking for work on a farm closer to himself. He sees a bright future and would like to build his own farm like the one at home.

William’s story

William's journey to finding purpose in farming is a common story of personal growth and self-discovery.

Many individuals, like William, may initially be uncertain about their career path and may explore various options before finding their true calling. Joining a college for farming appears to have been a pivotal decision for William, as it provided him with an opportunity to connect and grow his learning and passion.

During his time at Myerscough, William immersed himself in all aspects of farming. He learned about crop rotation, livestock management, sustainable farming practices, and the latest technological advancements in agriculture. He also worked on the college's farm, gaining practical experience that complemented his classroom learning.

Despite the initial scepticism, William excelled on the AgriSkills camp. He was not only a dedicated student but also someone who approached farming with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. He developed a reputation as a hardworking and innovative learner. William’s next steps for his career is to pursue a full-time job in farming.

“I did okay at school, not the best but passed everything,’’ said William.

‘’I was excited to learn new skills again, but I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to take things in as I used to. I felt supported with Emma (Myerscough Progress coach) and felt comfortable to come to the college for any help!

”Before Myerscough, I probably would have ended up as a labourer on a building site, but with Myerscough, I’ve learnt new skills and can put those to good use. I’ve definitely grown in confidence about what I can achieve.’’

Sophie’s story

Sophie is a person who has had previous carers both in the Royal Air Force and the NHS but found horticulture as a new career path. During her apprenticeship she has been invited to attend the Royal Horticultural Society Young person’s VIP Breakfast at RHS Chelsea due to exceptional progress.

She has also taken part in the construction of two gardens designed by primary schoolchildren at this year’s Southport Flower Show where she was able to showcase her horticultural skills.

One of the gardens was awarded a Gold Medal, the other being awarded a Large Gold Medal with both gardens receiving a Horticultural Achievement Award from the Guild of Horticultural judges. In addition to this Myerscough College Apprentices also received a Horticultural Achievement Award from the Guild of Horticultural judges.

Sophie’s determination to complete her apprenticeship and learn as much as she can is a testament to her sheer determination to be one of the top females within the horticultural industry, so much so that she has been successful in obtaining a position with Buttler Landscapes in Shropshire.

Tillie’s story

Tillie started volunteering at Tatton Farm in January 2019 where she fell in love with the type of work, the farm and all its animals, and it became her favourite place to be.

After she passed her GCSEs, she had the grades to do Animal Management course at Reaseheath College. She enrolled at the college, however she quickly realised that this environment was like school; classroom-based learning and wasn’t for her.

Tillie then started looking for apprenticeships and work in the meantime, securing a position at a riding school nearby until she was given the opportunity to be an apprentice at Tatton Farm, which was perfect for her.

From the start Tillie managed her own workload, completing work to a high standard; she was obviously thriving in this environment. She was working, studying and carrying out additional Animal Care related work in her own time. All this with additional learning needs. Tillie turned down additional support as she had her own coping mechanisms and the  environment that she was working in, the structure of the apprenticeship and one to one tutor sessions suited her, she was comfortable, happy and thriving.

A couple of setbacks during the apprenticeship did not stop Tillie striving to do her best and with a supportive employer and tutor Tillie secured a high grade on her EPA (End Point Assessment), achieving a Distinction.

Tillie stayed on a Tatton Park after the completion of her apprenticeship but has now decided to have a gap year and travel Australia before returning to further study in the field of veterinary studies.

Tanatswa’s story

Tanatswa joined the apprenticeship programme three years ago, and since then, we have seen a real change in him and his attitude and mindset as he grows into a competent young engineer.

He has consistently demonstrated a positive mindset and a drive to succeed, as well as a commitment to learning new skills and adapting to change. Tanatswa has shown himself to be a highly motivated individual with ambition to succeed. He has taken the initiative to learn new skills and develop existing ones to help him build a strong foundation for the future.

He is an excellent communicator, able to effectively connect with colleagues and the tutors alike. He is also able to think outside the box and find creative solutions to problems. Tanatswa has demonstrated a real commitment to the apprenticeship programme and has displayed a positive mindset change over his three years.

He has embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and has been a consistent source of motivation for his peers. Tanatswa has all the necessary qualities and the potential to be successful in the future.