A FAMILY-run farm going back seven generations is looking to take on a new apprentice from a non-farming background.
The apprenticeship scheme would see an Islander – potentially from scratch – trained across different areas at Master Farms in Grouville.
The farm rears Jersey cows, and grows several crops, including Jersey Royals, cauliflowers, courgettes and tomatoes. It also hosts an annual sunflower maze, a pick-your-own-pumpkins event and a Christmas tree-fest.
‘There is a lack of young people deciding to pursue a career in farming. We are a farming family that have been farming for seven generations in our farm,’ said co-owner and manager of Master Farms Philip Le Maistre.
‘I really want to try and encourage people who don’t come from a farming background – we will welcome them with open arms if they want to start a career in agriculture.’
He continued: ‘I often hear people say it’s really hard to get into agriculture if you’re not from a farming family. I want to dispel that.
‘If you’ve got an interest in the outdoors and you’re passionate about Jersey farming, then come and work for us – we’ll train you up.’ Mr Le Maistre said the plan for the year-long apprenticeship, which is scheduled to begin at the end of the summer, is for the apprentice to work in different parts of the farm to gain an insight into the day-to-day operations. After that, they would have the option of working at the farm or pursuing further education at a university or college in the UK themselves.
‘Different people have different ways of learning,’ Mr Le Maistre said.
The farm is currently preparing to open its annual sunflower maze in Grouville, which the owners expect will be ready during the second or third week of August. Applicants interested in finding out more information about the apprenticeship can contact Mr Le Maistre by emailing at phil_lemaistre@hotmail.co.uk.
