Aberdeenshire Council has teamed up with Europe’s largest co-operative machinery ring to offer rural-focused internships to school leavers.
Six places are up for grabs on the internship project which will provide a structured introduction to a career the land-based sector in Aberdeenshire.
The new initiative is run in partnership between the council and Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd and was set up with help from the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society Ltd (SAOS). The internships will offer an individualised and highly-practical work-based programme for young people who wish to pursue a career in the land-based sector.
Successful candidates will be matched with a local farm or rural business for a work experience placement which will start with a two-week induction and training programme, incorporating safe methods of working, manual handling and instruction in tractor driving.
The 26-week placement will also see interns working in a number of practical work-placed environments in Aberdeenshire, under the supervision of a mentor, and formal tuition sessions. Interns will be paid in line with industry requirements, and be expected to work a 40-hour week.
No formal qualifications are necessary, but basic levels of numeracy and literacy are required. There is no set age-limit, but applicants aged under 18 may be restricted from certain work situations for health and safety reasons.
Three evening events will be held across Aberdeenshire in coming months for potential applicants to find out more. All events begin at 7pm. No need to book.
- Monday April 29 – Mackie Academy, Stonehaven
- Tuesday April 30 – Banchory Academy, Banchory
- Thursday 2 May – Turriff Academy, Turriff
The closing date for applications is Friday 10 May 2013, ahead of interviews being conducted in late May.
The six selected interns will start their induction on the week of Monday 10 June, and will be trained as a group during their first fortnight. This will include a two-day trip in the second week to the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Peter Argyle, said: “The agricultural and wider rural sector is a key part of the Aberdeenshire economy and it is vital that bright young people are given every encouragement to make it their career of choice, to help drive the industry forward through innovation and continuous improvement.
“I am delighted to see the council’s 100-day initiative being harnessed in this way and wish the successful candidates every success on the internship.”
Managing Director of Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd, said: “For many years we have advocated the benefits of an entirely practical work-based programme as a means to encourage young people into an industry that is desperate for new entrants.
“The agricultural industry offers a host of exciting opportunities both on farm and other related industries and we are immensely grateful to Aberdeenshire Council and SAOS for their support in the development of this pilot project.”
Jim Booth, Head of Co-operative Development at SAOS, said: “Attracting and developing the next generation is vital if the farming industry is to succeed in the future.
“Having Ringlink at the heart of the project is a huge boost. There is no other rural organisation with such a proven track record of making things happen or more suitably qualified to manage the project.”