12 March 2023
Are you passionate about the future of the Welsh farming, forestry and horticulture sectors? Do you have great people skills and a proven track record in terms of farming and business management? Are you a successful entrepreneur with experience of innovative or diversified ways of working?
Mentera, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government, is now seeking to appoint an inspirational new leader for the Agri Academy Senior (Business & Innovation) programme, Farming Connect’s prestigious personal development initiative, now in its fourteenth year.
Confidence, skills and top-class credentials
“If you believe you have the confidence, skills and relevant land-based and business credentials to support, coach and guide future candidates as they embark on their individual personal development journeys, we want to hear from you,” says Farming Connect’s Head of Skills, Einir Davies.
The part-time, self-employed role, largely home-based, will include planning, arranging and facilitating an inspiring programme of workshops, training and study visits while building and fostering a trusting relationship with every participant, empowering each one to express themselves and fulfil their own personal and business ambitions.
Ms Davies explained that the leadership role offers immense job satisfaction and rewards, with the newest incumbent following in the footsteps of some of Wales’ most well-known and respected individuals.
Are you ready to lead, support and nurture the rural stars of tomorrow?
“With the activity-packed programme focused around three short but intensive study periods a year – usually in September, October and November - including an overseas study visit and a business management challenge based on an actual farm business, the Agri Academy commitment has proved enormously rewarding for all our previous leaders, fitting in relatively easily with their busy professional and family lives,” said Ms Davies.
Denbighshire farmer and businessman Llyr Jones - better known by his many friends, business contacts and mentees as ‘Llyr Derwydd’ - has headed up the programme since 2019.
Having first taken part in the Agri Academy Business & Innovation programme as a participant in 2013, Llyr appreciates at first-hand what a unique and unrivalled experience it is for those fortunate enough to be selected.
“More than anything else, the businesspeople, mentors, coaches and new networks of friends and colleagues I met fuelled my drive and ambition for so many aspects of my life that I now take for granted,” says Llyr, who has a varied farming portfolio, including large-scale beef, lamb and poultry enterprises as well setting up Wales’ first rapeseed oil manufacturing company.
“Returning as the programme leader a few years later gave me an opportunity to give back in some way, and it’s been so rewarding to see so many people, from all sectors of the land-based industries, flourish and achieve so much.
“Being part of the Farming Connect Agri Academy is undoubtedly a life-affirming experience for both candidates and their leaders.
“This is your opportunity to mentor and support some of the up-and-coming rural stars of the future, the generation responsible for safeguarding the future sustainability and viability of Welsh farming – so don’t hesitate – apply today!”
To apply for this contract send your CV and covering letter to einir.davies@mentera.cymru before 12pm on Friday 28 March.