Looking to get into Agriculture.

[Sutty1999]

Hi all, I am a 19 year old who’s looking to get into agriculture, specifically cattle. I was hoping a few of you would have some advice for me. I’m currently on a fabrication and welding apprenticeship which I think may come in useful during general farm maintenance but have realised that it is not the career for me. I really enjoy the lifestyle and working outside and I am very willing to really dedicate myself to this career change.

I know a couple of people who are farmers through rugby so I may be able to volunteer on their farms I during weekends? I’ve seen a few threads on here where people have mentioned location. I have a full UK driving licence and would be willing to work anywhere in the UK.

I’d be 20-21 once i finish my current apprenticeship and would just like a few bits of advice over what would give me the best shot of a career in agriculture. Anything I can do in the next year whilst I finish my apprenticeship or any advice for when I start looking for an apprenticeship/job is very much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Werzle]

Try finding some weekend work so you can get a feel for it but whatever you do, do not pack in your apprenticeship. No harm in calling in on some local farms and asking if they need some help.

 

[chaffcutter]

Go and see some livestock farmers in person and offer to help ou free of charge, once you can make yourself useful most farmers would start to pay you, or recommend you to someone looking for part time help.

Also contact your local NFU office, they will be familiar with the local farms and often have a good idea where you might fit in. You need the experience before anyone will let you loose with their cattle!

 

[ollie989898]

I would not offer to work for anyone for free. Complete your apprenticeship and try to find part time work. If you have farming friends ask if you can tag along and just observe what they do and get them to explain everything.

 

[Sutty1999]

Try finding some weekend work so you can get a feel for it but whatever you do, do not pack in your apprenticeship. No harm in calling in on some local farms and asking if they need some help.

I wasn’t planning on packing my apprenticeship in as I have only about 10 months left but just out of interest is there any reason why? There’s a good few local farms around here so I’ll call in on them sometime soon, cheers mate

 

[Sutty1999]

Go and see some livestock farmers in person and offer to help ou free of charge, once you can make yourself useful most farmers would start to pay you, or recommend you to someone looking for part time help.

Also contact your local NFU office, they will be familiar with the local farms and often have a good idea where you might fit in. You need the experience before anyone will let you loose with their cattle!

I’ll email the NFU now, cheers really appreciate it

 

[Sutty1999]

I would not offer to work for anyone for free. Complete your apprenticeship and try to find part time work. If you have farming friends ask if you can tag along and just observe what they do and get them to explain everything.

Ideally I would want paying but it’s not the end of the world as I still have my full time job and money isn’t a problem it’s the experience that is. I just feel if I offered to help someone out and then told them that I wanted paying for it but I have no experience then they’d tell me get stuffed

 

[DanielBennett]

Nothing specific to add; your enthusiasm will make it work. Good luck.

 

[Werzle]

I wasn’t planning on packing my apprenticeship in as I have only about 10 months left but just out of interest is there any reason why? There’s a good few local farms around here so I’ll call in on them sometime soon, cheers mate

Having a trade and qualifications are a must in the modern world and will stand you in great stead in the future and you will have it to fall back on if farm work doesnt live up to your expectations. You would regret not finishing it looking back later in life.