Young farmer finds work on new graduate scheme

AN ASPIRING young farmer got a job on a new graduate scheme by announcing he needed work at an industry conference.

Jake Pickering, 22, of Ulceby, has just finished a degree in agriculture and business management at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

But unlike many graduates searching for a job, Jake already has one that he will start in September – and all he had to do was ask.

Jake was made a young advocate for farming in October last year and recently spoke at a London debate for people in the industry – and announced he was about to finish his degree.

Shortly afterward, Sainsbury's approached him and offered him a place on a brand new, two-year graduate scheme created by the supermarket chain.

Jake said: "I was lucky really that Sainsbury's were in the audience and offered me a job as soon as I got off the stage.

"There are plenty of jobs out there in farming but, like any industry, it's very competitive at the top. I have a passion for the countryside and the great thing about farming is that it will provide many of the answers to the big questions of the day.

"We have a rising population and fewer resources, and farming could find a solution to that problem in the future."

Jake will be one of the first three people to join the Sainsbury's Agricultural and Horticultural Graduate Scheme – in line with the Government's Agricultural-Technologies Strategy, launched in July. It aims to attract the best talent into agriculture.

The scheme is part of Sainsbury's 20x20 Sustainability Plan to double the amount of British food sold by 2020 and nurture the business leaders to progress towards this vision.

The graduates will spend eight weeks in London and then do four six-month placements at various farms to teach them about different sectors.

Jake added: "I wanted to do something that was in the countryside but also with the opportunity to work out of London so this is perfect for me.

"It will be a chance to learn about everything from the supply end to the customer at the end of the line."

Judith Batchelar, director of Sainsbury's Brand, said: "Farming is one of the biggest industries in the UK, which is why we think it's so important to plan for the future now.

"With the average age of a farmer being over 50, it's important to attract and train young talent to drive technical development in a sustainable way."