New Shoots provides a bespoke two-year training programme for Assistant Farm Environment Advisers joining FWAG South West. Work-based learning, support from experienced mentors and CPD training days combine to provide the skills and experience needed to become a fully-fledged Farm Environment Adviser.
‘We’re growing our team organically,’ explains Adam Lockyear, CEO. ‘Recruitment in agriculture and its supporting industries requires a re-think. Under-investment has led to a lack of experienced, skilled farm environment advisers, whilst demand continues to grow for up-to-date, farm-specific advice in how to face new agricultural and environmental challenges. Like many other sectors requiring team members with informed experience, we must invest in developing a new workforce and be proactive in resolving this issue in our sector.’
‘New Shoots allows us to nurture new talent and ensure we can continue to support our farmers into the future,’ adds Sabine McEwan, Head of Technical Development. ‘However, this comes at a significant cost to the charity – around £50,000 per new adviser.’
Find out how you can support our New Shoots Programme at the bottom of the page.
Tom Mansfield, Senior Woodland Adviser at FWAG SW, explains a little more about our New Shoots Programme and why you might want to join the FWAG SW team.
“The training programme that FWAG offer was a big draw for me when applying to be an Assistant Farm Environment Adviser. On-the-job training means I’m continually putting my learning into practice and you have the support of experienced advisers on hand to guide you. Since joining FWAG in 2024 I’ve taken part in training on woodland creation and management, dairy, arable, beef and sheep systems, farm infrastructure, soil and nutrient management and our most recent training was around Natural Flood Management. Last year I also completed the BASIS Certificate in Sustainable Land Management.” Seth Ziolkowski, Assistant Farm Environment Adviser, Devon.
‘I only joined FWAG two months ago as an Assistant Farm Environment Adviser in Gloucestershire and already I’ve learnt so much from joining colleagues on farm visits, attending FWAG events and the in-house training days.’ Will Barnett, Assistant Farm Environment Adviser, Gloucestershire.
How can you support our New Shoots?
FWAG SouthWest is a charity committed to supporting farmers to manage land sustainably, protect wildlife and build resilient businesses. A key part of that mission is investing in people by ensuring the farming sector continues to benefit from skilled, independent and trusted advisers.
The New Shoots Programme supports new entrants into farm advice by providing high quality training, mentoring and professional support at the start of their careers. Whether they continue their journey within FWAG SouthWest or move into other organisations, those who come through New Shoots take with them the values, ethos and standards that define FWAG SouthWest. In doing so, they help strengthen both the farming sector and the environment wherever their careers lead.
Delivering this level of training is a significant charitable investment. We welcome support from individuals, organisations and partners who share our belief in building long term capacity in farm advice. If you would like to discuss supporting the New Shoots Programme through a donation, sponsorship or partnership, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Please contact Adam Lockyear, Chief Executive, via info@fwagsw.org.uk.
Registered Charity Number: 1146071