United Kingdom-Helping young farmers.

UNITED KINGDOM-TRAINING YOUNG FARMERS.

ANDY Cook farms a 600-acre sheep and arable farm at Braunton, near Barnstaple. He approached Duchy College in 2006 to inquire about a livestock apprenticeship for Ben Anton, a young man he intended to employ.

In discussion it became obvious the distances involved would prevent Ben travelling to college from his home for off-the-job training.

Mr Cook worked with the college to identify other farmers in his area who might need training for young people already working in their business.

A meeting was arranged between the prospective apprentices, their parents, farmers and the college and a group of five young people were identified to begin an apprenticeship programme.

As a result of the interest shown, the college appointed a tutor for that part of North Devon. He was tasked to devise a programme which would suit this group of employers and their apprentices.