Junior Programme

Are you aged 16 - 19 years old and interested in developing a career in the farming industry?

 

Agri Academy Junior Programme

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

 

Initiation & Introductions 

Royal Welsh Show 

 

24 July 2023 

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

 

2 – 4 August 2023

 

SESSION 2: 

Overseas Study Visit

Netherlands

 

21 – 25 August 2023

 

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

 

30 October – 1 November 2023

AGRI ACADEMY CEREMONY 

 

Royal Welsh Winter Fair 

 

27 November 2023

 

CLOSING SESSION: 

What’s next? 

Bala, Meirionnydd 

 

17 – 18 February 2024

 

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:

Cadi Jones
Cadi Jones

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.’’

 

Cerys Mai Jenkins
Cerys Mai Jenkins

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.’’

Daisy Williams
Daisy Williams

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.’’

Efa Jones
Efa Jones

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.’’

Ellen Frith
Ellen Firth

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.’’

Fflurv Richards
Fflur Richards

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.’’

Jack Hockenhull
Jack Hockenhull

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.’’

Lea Williams
Lea Williams

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.’’

Llio Davies
Llio Davies

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."

Menna Protheroe
Menna Protheroe

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.’’

Osian jones
Osian Jones

Llanbrynmair, Powys

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn a lot more about the farming methods in another country.’’

Rhiannon Philips
Rhiannon Phillips

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.’’