Junior Academy

Are you aged 16 - 21 years old and interested in developing a career in the farming industry? If so, now is your time… 

The fully subsidised Junior Academy will offer you:

  • Work experience alongside some of the key players in the food and farming industry 
  • An activity-packed programme of activities to inspire you to find your career path 
  • 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
  • Friendships that last a lifetime and a route into an invaluable support network that will open doors and create opportunities for you

The application window for Junior Academy 2024 is now closed.

 

Initiation & Introductions 

Royal Welsh Show

 

22 July 2024 

SESSION 1: 

North Wales

 

12 - 14 August 2024

 

SESSION 2: 

Gower 

 

13 – 15 September 2024

 

SESSION 3:

Overseas Study Visit

Norway*

 

27 – 31 October 2024

AGRI ACADEMY CEREMONY 

 

Royal Welsh Winter Fair

25 November 2024

*Destinations for the overseas study visits may be subject to change due to external factors.

Candidates for the Junior Academy must be over 16 years old and under 21 years old on the 12th of August 2024. Candidates over 21 years old can apply for the Agri Academy. All candidates must be registered with Farming Connect and must complete a Personal Development Plan on their BOSS account. 

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.’’

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.’’