SAT - Allover - Chris Morphet
Friday 6 December 2024
 6.1°C   SW Light Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Agriculture / Young farmer nominated for national apprenticeship awards

Julie-Ann Murray. Photo: Skills Development Scotland

A YOUNG Shetlander who used a modern apprenticeship to achieve her dream of working on a local farm has been recognised as a finalist in the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards.

Julie-Ann Murray is now trusted to be left in charge of 1,000 sheep and is said to be so capable at her job that her employer has had her first holiday in five years.

The 21-year-old had been desperate to stay on the islands and work with animals but faced a lack of opportunities, whilst going to college on the mainland came with extra cost.

But the ex-Brae High School pupil, of North Roe, persevered and is now building her ideal career after her neighbour Pat Johnson offered her a job as an agriculture modern apprentice. 

Julie-Ann said: “Doing a full-time course would have meant being off the island for long periods, but we live on a croft and I didn’t want to leave everything for my dad to do. I also have my two dogs and a horse to look after.

“A full-time college course meant paying for accommodation and travel which is very expensive, so it didn’t work for me.

“The modern apprenticeship allows me to do what I love, gain experience and a qualification, and be more financially independent.

“I heard about modern apprenticeships from a Skills Development Scotland careers adviser at school and she put me in touch with the learning provider.”

Julie-Ann attends SRUC Barony Campus in Dumfries for five weeks a year and is progressing to a Level 6 Modern Apprenticeship.

Her jobs on farm also include repairing fences and driving tractors and quad bikes.

She quickly learned the signs of sickness in the animals and how to treat them, saving some from serious illness, and plays a key role working around the clock during lambing season.

Become a member of Shetland News

 

Employer Pat Johnson said: “Julie-Ann’s youth and enthusiasm gives everybody a lift and she brings in fresh ideas.

“I was able to go on holiday for the first time in five years, confident that all the work would be done properly and the animals well looked after, thanks to Julie-Ann. She is a real asset.”

UHI Shetland vocational training coordinator Janice Leask said: “Julie-Ann’s confidence has really improved throughout her Modern Apprenticeship and she has gained important life skills.”

After deciding not to leave the island, Julie-Ann explored other qualification routes including modern apprenticeships with Skills Development Scotland careers adviser Alison Shearer.

She linked Julie-Ann up with the training provider and helped her explore whether the employer she had identified was the right one for her, as well as helping with her career management and confidence skills through five contacts while at school.

Modern Apprenticeships are jobs open to anyone aged 16 and over who wants to work, learn and earn.

Apprentices spend most of their time learning in the workplace while being supported by a local college or specialist training provider to gain an industry recognised qualification.

Julie-Ann’s achievements have led to her being a finalist in the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in the Modern Apprentice of the Year – SCQF Level 5 category.

The awards are set to take place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 6-10 March.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.