Agricultural Residential Training Programme job - Wales

Sustainable Farming in an Upland Environment

Training Aim: Aspiring young farmers are provided with the skills, training, and experience necessary to contribute to sustainable and nature-friendly farming, enhancing employability in a changing agricultural sector where future policy and support will reward sustainable land management.

The RSPB Farm is the largest organic farm in Wales, extending to 4800ha, much of which is upland moorland. Centred around Ty Llywd, they have a flock of 2000 ewes, 600 lambs, and run a herd of 86 Welsh Black cattle, as well as 56 Carneddau ponies on the upland hefts. The farm also manages 25ha of traditional hay meadows.

Training Placements: Training placements will last for 5 months with a 50% Farm, 50% Conservation focus. Trainees will spend 1 week on the farm and 1 week with the conservation team on rotation. Trainees will be embedded within the RSPB Farm team under the guidance of the RSPB Farm Manager, playing an active role in the day-to-day running of the farm, and alongside the RSPB Conservation team under the guidance of the RSPB Wardens to gain a wider understanding of productive and sustainable nature-friendly farming practices. Expertise from wider RSPB teams and external sources will be used to add further value and skills around specific topics, including vehicle training where required.

Eligibility: Trainee placements are open to those aged between 17 and 25 and UK residents only. A driving licence is essential due to the requirements of vehicle use on the farm and residential roads between sites.

Applicants may be asked to attend a 'Meet the Team & informal interview day' at Lake Vyrnwy on Wednesday 5th February.

Two trainee placements are available and run between March - August 2025. Due to the timings of each cohort, trainees will not experience a full farming/conservation calendar year; seasonal opportunities will enable a flexible approach to delivering the full syllabus.

Trainees will be put through a variety of Lantra training courses to equip them for a career in farming and conservation. Some courses will be off-site, but accommodation will be paid for if an overnight stay is required. Basic on-site accommodation and a small bursary are available to support suitable candidates.

Accommodation:

1. On-site bungalow, sleeps 2, a twin room and a single.
2. Bathroom with toilet, sink and shower, fully equipped kitchen with electric cooker, fridge, freezer, iron, TV & lockable private room.
3. Situated a short 5-minute walk from the RSPB's main office, 15-20-minute walk or short car journey from the farm, 0.5 miles to local village shop.

*We are happy to be flexible with the days required on the placement for the right person as we're fully aware 5 days a week is not accessible for those already in studies.

Job Length: Permanent

Dates:

Start: 24/03/2025,
Finish: 25/08/2025

Pay:

Hours: 37.5

Driving Licence Required: Full UK Driving Licence

Other Information: This is a 5-month traineeship alongside one of the largest Organic Farms in England and Wales. The location is rural with little phone signal, but wi-fi is available and radios are supplied for communication. You will be working in remote places of the 4800ha, much of which is upland moorland. The site is 10,000ha around Lake Vyrnwy and is a stunning place to be situated. This is a unique opportunity to learn firsthand how farming and conservation can work together to create a profitable and sustainable future.