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The Scottish Machinery Ring Association (SMRA) welcomed Scottish Government Minister of Agriculture, Marine & Islands Jim Fairlie to their stand for their “Mentors and Rising Stars” event.

Real-life mentors and young people who’ve taken part in the successful Land-based Pre-apprenticeship programme shared their respective stories on why the programme is so important.

Pre-apprentices Ellis Wilkinson, one of BMR's first pre-apprentices in 2019, Rowan Johnstone who joined Tarff Services in 2022 through the programme and Gemma Clark who joined through Ringlink in Fife in 2020, talked through their different experiences and how it’s helped their careers.

Gemma has experienced the programme from both sides, as she has now acted as a mentor to her own pre-apprentice. She reflected on this alongside mentors Gordon Whiteford from Buckie, who has mentored six pre-apprentices, and David Young from Freuchie, who like Gemma has just mentored his first pre-apprentice.

Pathway into agriculture

Mr Fairlie said: “The pre-apprenticeship programme is something the Scottish Government is really proud to support. It reflects a very simple idea that talent is everywhere, right across Scotland, and opportunities should be everywhere as well.

“The programme is opening doors for people who may not have seen a pathway into agriculture are now finding one and succeeding.

“And partnership has been the key to making this work. The machinery rings have been absolutely critical in reaching the people, understanding local needs and connecting to those very real opportunities.

“They have built something that works, not just in theory, but on the ground, right across Scotland.”

Recognition

The speakers were up in front of a packed stand for the mid-morning event which attracted an engaged and enthusiastic audience.

Speaking after the event, Gemma said: “Speaking today was quite nerve-wracking but it was also really nice to be recognised.

“The pre-apprenticeships programme was very beneficial to me to get into the farming industry, not coming from a farming background, and it’s opened up so many careers to me.

“It’s a good way to get into the industry. It doesn’t matter if you’re a woman and my advice to anyone thinking about it would be to go for it – you might really enjoy it.”

Rowan said: “It’s a six-month programme and for me, those six months were a massive learning curve, with everything you could want built in, from first aid courses to tractor-driving training. It’s a lot to take on but you’re supported throughout it.

“I think we need to push any young person, whether they’re from a farming background or not, because we need that next generation to come through and keep pushing.”

Fellow former pre-apprentice Ellis said: “It’s quite a daunting industry to get into if you don’t have connections and the pre-apprenticeship almost finds your connections for you.

“A lot of the guys from my Tarff pre-apprentice year still stay in touch today, which is quite cool. And I’m still on the same farm and we’re now starting to look at taking on younger ones and it’s great to see the full cycle and be able to be part of it.”

First step

Long-serving mentor Gordon said: “I’ve been taking on apprentices for probably the last 10 years. I just feel I need to give back to the industry and give that first step to young people starting out.

“I can’t complain about not being able to employ people if I’m not prepared to put the first step there for new young blood to come in.”

Fellow mentor David shared his own experience of finding his way into the industry.

“I was the youngest son of four on a small arable farm down by Crail, so work was in short supply and I needed to broaden my horizons,” he said.

“I did a modern apprenticeship myself 22 years ago and that has given me a desire to continue passing on information where I can.

“My pre-apprentice has moved on to work elsewhere in the industry but this should still be recognised as a success. The best people I’ve worked with are those who have a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge. There are lots of parts to this industry where you can learn and pick up the life skills that make you a more rounded person – so you shouldn’t think you need to go somewhere and stay there forever.

“I’m in my mid-thirties and I’m still learning stuff every single day.”

The hour-long event was presided over by Andrew Moir, Vice-chairman of SMRA and Ringlink Managing Director Graham Bruce hosted a short question and answer session, before bringing proceedings to a close.

Fresh tomatoes and strawberries were out, provided by Standhill and East Scryne farms respectively and lunch was provided by Lantra Scotland.

Mr Moir said: “It was an inspiring event and great to hear so many voices.

“We’ve now a national programme for growth in our industry, which the Government has funded and it would be great to have sustainable investment as we go forward. Given the right support from the Government, we can make things move, we can make things better and we can shift this industry to where it should be.”

Pre-apprentice advice

The search is on right now for mentors, as the summer intake of new pre-apprentices prepare to take their first steps into the industry.

In a plea to recruit mentors, Ellis said it was all about unlocking potential.

“You could have someone who’s maybe a little nervous when they come to you but you could have a great worker in there,” he said. “The only way you’re going to find out is by helping them grow as a person and also as a worker.

Long-time mentor Gordon said: “If you’re thinking of mentoring, go and speak to another mentor and see how they got on. More importantly, you need to find the right candidate for the job.

“If you get someone that shows a little respect and is keen to learn then you’re 90% of the way to getting a good apprentice.”

If you know anyone who is interested in preparing the next generation of workers, get in touch with your local machinery ring.

Picture: Minister Jim Fairle with the pre-apprentices and mentors, from left, Gordon Whiteford, Gemma Clark, Ellis Wilkinson, Minister Jim Fairlie, Rowan Johnstone and David Young