Junior Programme
Are you aged 16 - 19 years old and interested in developing a career in the farming industry?
Applications are invited for the 2023 Agri Academy Junior Programme.
The fully subsidised Junior Programme will offer you:
- Work experience alongside some of the key players in the food and farming industry
- An inspiring activity-packed programme of activities to support your career choices and help you achieve your goals
- Training for effective communications, press and media handling, and negotiation skills
- Opportunities to gain experience of chairing meetings, voicing your opinions and getting your point across effectively
- A route into an invaluable support network that will open doors and create opportunities for you
The application window for Agri Academy 2023 is now closed. See below the successful candidates for 2023
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Initiation & Introductions |
Royal Welsh Show
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24 July 2023 |
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SESSION 1: Day 1 - Getting to Know You Your Goals, Personality types, Communication Day 2 - Farm and Supply Chain Visits Day 3 - Make a Good Impression Dealing with the media |
Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales
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2 – 4 August 2023
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SESSION 2: Overseas Study Visit |
Netherlands
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21 – 25 August 2023
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SESSION 3: Day 1 - Developing an idea, entrepreneurship, starting and running a business Day 2 - Farm and Supply Chain Visits Day 3 - Planning for your future and knowing your industry. |
Ceredigion, West Wales
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30 October – 1 November 2023 |
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AGRI ACADEMY CEREMONY
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Royal Welsh Winter Fair
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27 November 2023
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CLOSING SESSION: What’s next? |
Bala, Meirionnydd
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17 – 18 February 2024
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IMPORTANT – applicants must attend all of the sessions above and must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the study visit. Failure to commit fully to the whole Agri Academy experience can result in expulsion from the programme and a requirement to repay the costs of the trip. Members cannot be absent from residential sessions, unless either of the following apply
- Immediate family bereavement
- Personal illness and a valid doctor's note
- Urgent and unavoidable care responsibilities for a dependent
For more information, please contact your Local Development Officer.
The successful candidates for our 2023 Junior Programme:
Blaenporth, Ceredigion
“I want to use the skills and knowledge I gain to improve the efficiency of the farm and to help shape its future."
“I’m looking forward to gathering new ideas by seeing how other farmers do things, to help maximise the profitability of the farm.’’
Llanddowror, Carmarthenshire
“I hope that I can persuade the younger generation to become more interested in this type of program as it will help their confidence and knowledge in life.’’
Llandinam, Powys
“As a young farmer, the opportunities it will provide will be invaluable, and meeting like-minded people will broaden my horizons.
“As the farming industry is rapidly changing, I feel now is the right time for me to gain as much knowledge as possible and do what I can to help agriculture become more sustainable.’’
Bala, Gwynedd
“It will be amazing to see how the Dutch farm, and to bring ideas home to share with the family."
“I have so much more that I want to learn, this is why the Junior Programme is perfect for me. I believe the experiences I will get will enrich my skills and prepare me for the world of work and allow me learn things I haven't been able to learn at home on the farm.’’
Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Denbighshire
“I feel the agricultural industry is at a turning point, moving towards more sustainable, regenerative practices in the future."
“I am looking forward to learning about these techniques and how we can all implement them.’’
Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
“This will empower me to bring ideas for improved efficiency and productivity home to the family farm and to use within my future career as a vet too.’’
Malpas, Cheshire
“I’m looking forward to making a new circle of friends with similar goals to mine."
“It will also be a great opportunity to develop skills in chairing meetings and debates and voicing my opinion on an industry that I care so much about.’’
Llansannan, Denbighshire
“It will also be good to meet other young people who have similar interests to mine, to share ideas and to learn from each other.’’
St Asaph, Conwy
“It is going to be an amazing opportunity to gain new experiences and meet different people."
“I’m also looking forward to being a voice for young people who intend to pursue a career in agriculture."
Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys
“I hope to meet people who are just as passionate about the industry as I am, to make friends with like-minded people who want to secure the future of our agricultural industry.
“I know that this programme will provide me with a wealth of opportunities to do so.’’
Llanbrynmair, Powys
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn a lot more about the farming methods in another country.’’
Glynarthen, Ceredigion
“I care about the future of the environment and am keen to learn how we in the agriculture industry can reduce our carbon footprint and farm more effectively.
“I hope to benefit from good advice from mentors and experts in their fields and to someday use this on the family farm.’’