There have been some great success stories from past Young City Farmer participants, find out more about how they got on...
John wasn’t sure what he wanted to do – he enjoyed the YCF programme very much and was trying to pursue his interest in food and organic farming. However, having returned to London he found it difficult to get into work in this area and was stuck as to his progression. On-going contact with John revealed an interest in the Foundation Degree in Agriculture here at the College. Following communication and a meeting in London, John applied for this course under the Fred and Marjorie Sainsbury Charitable Trust scholarship. Now, John is reading the subject at the RAC. He was awarded the scholarship, which financially enabled him to progress into higher education. He’s living on campus at the College and thoroughly enjoying his course. The course manager reports excellent progression and assessment marks on the course and John is very happy at the College. Upon leaving the YCF programme, John said: “Besides immeasurable amounts of countryside know-how, I have learnt that farming is a fragile system, and conserving it is vital for people if we are to sustain a good way of life.” John is in regular contact with the YCF team leader at College and is fully integrated into the RAC community. He is now employed as an ambassador for the College, supporting outreach events for young people interested in the food and farming sector, and higher education.
After returning to London for a little while, the pull of the countryside, a love of horses and a desire to work in the equine profession was too strong for Celine. Determined to work with horses, she contacted her work placement from YCF and managed to secure a wonderful opportunity, to work at the polo yard, living-in with the owner, for the season. She’s thoroughly enjoying her work, and achieving a great deal in terms of progression and skills acquisition. She has recently secured a placement with a top trainer for the coming polo season and is well on her way to becoming very accomplished. She dedicates her opportunity to the course and sends many thanks. Ashley is currently studying Level 3 Travel and Tourism at Dearne Valley College in South Yorkshire. Her enthusiasm for riding has been renewed and she’s back in the saddle in her spare time. She hopes that she can combine her interests and love for her future career. She says that she found all the learning from YCF very useful, especially her work experience placement at the events and livery yard, which relit her passion for riding, giving a wonderful experience. She says: “my views have changed significantly regarding how animals that are produced for meat are treated and cared for. I also learnt a lot about the organic farming process, and really enjoyed it. I’d just like to say a big thank you for this great opportunity; I’d jump at the chance to do it all again…the course was absolutely brilliant.”
Kieron is now reading Agriculture with Animal Management at Aberystwyth University. His first year is going really well and he’s enjoying study. Since finishing the YCF programme, Kieron says he has kept interest and active in shooting, fishing and the countryside, finding “new hobbies that I now spend most of my free time doing”. He also says that the programme helped him become more involved with food and cooking. Kieron says: “the course was fantastic. Thank you; it’s been a great experience.”
Since leaving the YCF programme, Kelly has continued her work with the RSPCA as a volunteer. She is now at Otley College studying a BTech National Diploma in Animal Management. She is having a really good time studying and intends to progress with her work at the RSPCA or to become a large animal vet. She says that all the skills she developed have helped her, especially learning how to drive a tractor. Kelly admits, “I now realise how hard and how much effort farming is…I always thought it was easy!” She also sends her thanks: “Thank you for the chance to come here. I have had an excellent time and enjoyed everything, especially survival and food for free weekend and work experience. I would love to come back and do it again!”
Charlie has returned to London and is working as a volunteer at Dean City Farm. He is keen to continue in agriculture and farming, and is getting training through the farm to support and develop his skills. He says the YCF programme taught him “heaps” and he particularly enjoyed the farm visits. He says: “I learned so much that I now use at my city farm. I would just like to say how much I enjoyed being there…the people working with us were great; thank you very much for my experience.”
Craig returned to Bristol and has started his A Levels at Ashton Park school. Although he says he hasn’t decided into what career he wants to progress, the YCF programme gave him much to think about. He says that he really enjoyed the programme and took his learning back to the city farm he works on. Craig is using all aspects of learning from the course and this is helping him in his voluntary work. He commented about the YCF programme, “My attitude has changed towards agriculture because I was amazed at how much work the farmers do, the hours they put in and how spaced out the animals have to be so they have plenty of land.” Craig particularly enjoyed the farm visits as they showed how the enterprises work; and the trainee kitchen, because he has interests in cooking but now has the knowledge to cook more meals. He gives thanks, saying that the course was “wonderful! Thank you!”
On completion of the YCF programme, Kyle was keen to progress into horticulture and develop his education in this area. He is studying horticulture at his local college in Warrington, and really enjoying it. Kyle said: “I enjoyed nearly all of the activities we did. Most of it was very useful and I’ll remember it always. I can’t wait to come back to see everyone again…it has been such a good experience for me. Dry stone walling was brilliant and I will use my skills when I start my own business (hopefully!). Thank you for everything.”
Claud had aspirations to start her own business in healthy fast foods. She said of the course: “It was an excellent short course… I’ve acquired new kitchen skills to apply to my business and extra knowledge that I can use in my allotment. My passion for food has been invigorated along with a renewed confidence for my business idea. In a nutshell I have gained a wealth of experience that I can use in my business, which is what I wanted. I’ve done a few courses but this is the best one I’ve completed, it was very well organised…thank you!”
Following the YCF programme, Esther planned to continue her education, going onto A Levels at college or sixth form. She said: “I enjoyed every aspect of the course, thank you so much for this opportunity and experience.”
Courtney left the YCF programme with many personal aspirations and ideas for the city farm he works on in London (Freightliners). He talked about many areas of agriculture and country activities he would like to be involved in, including falconry, gaming, fishing and shooting. Courtney said that the programme provided him “with lots of useful information and experience on different farm sites.” He was also extremely enthusiastic about his “excitement of fishing!” and sent very many thanks to everyone involved at the end of the programme.
Andrew had aspirations in forestry or the army, although he could not decide which career to follow. However, he left the YCF programme with a passion for agriculture and forestry and a desire to pursue it – whether immediately or after army service. He said: “This has been a great course and learning curve and I have really enjoyed it. The farm visits were excellent and our work in the trainee kitchen was great for new recipes. I really enjoyed the food for free challenge weekend and the visit to the sawmill, as it’s what I’m interested in. I learnt so much I can take with me and use in my future. Many thanks.”
