A YOUNG farmer has been named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year 2023 after she proved outstanding in her field while working on a sheep farm in Shetland.
Julie-Ann Murray also won the Modern Apprentice SCQF Level 5 category at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which were held on March 8th.
The 21-year-old is now trusted to run the farm she works on, tending to a flock of up to 1,000 sheep and working round-the-clock during lambing season.
Julie-Ann, from North Roe on the Shetland Islands, was announced as the overall winner by Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Youth Employment and Training.
Mr Hepburn said: “The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the vital work of apprentices as well as the valuable support of employers”
He added: “Congratulations to Julie-Ann, who has shown exceptional determination, commitment and a real love of her dream job.
“Julie-Ann’s apprenticeship has made a huge difference to her and her career. Her successes demonstrates that apprenticeships are unlocking potential across Scotland.”
The Shetland farmer was crowned the nation’s top apprentice at the awards, which recognise the work of Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprentices.
It also strives to acknowledge the work of employers, providers and individuals who champion apprenticeships.
Julie-Ann said: “My apprenticeship has made me confirm I want to be in agriculture and work in agriculture. I’ve done it all my life, it’s what I want to keep doing.”
Julie-Ann’s employer Pat Johnson, of I&P 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. She is a real asset.”
Julie-Ann had been desperate to stay on the island and work with animals but faced a lack of opportunities and the expense of going to college on the mainland.
But the ex-Brae High School pupil persevered and after a trial with Pat landed a job as an Agricultural Modern Apprentice on the farm.
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.
“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 the 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 during lambing season.
Chair of Skills Development Scotland Frank Mitchell said: “Apprenticeships are more critical now than ever, due to fast-paced changes in the workplace.
“Apprentices can be employed in real jobs making sure the skills gained are current through work-based learning.
“The Scottish Apprenticeship Awards provide a platform to show how apprenticeships can help to create a diverse and inclusive workforce.
“It’s the 21st anniversary of the Awards, which is testament to the value that Scotland places on apprenticeships.
“I’d like to thank all the employers, learning providers and sponsors for their support and congratulate all of this year’s apprentice finalists and winners.”
The awards were organised by Scotland’s skills agency, Skills Development Scotland, and took place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 6 March to 10 March.
