Five years ago, Gemma Clark says she would have laughed if you had told her she would be running a pig farm.
Today, she is the Unit Manager at Mains of Vicarsford in Fife and a shining example of how Ringlink’s Land-based Pre-apprenticeship scheme is developing the future workforce.
Gemma, who wasn’t from a farming background, joined the scheme in 2020 after deciding childcare wasn’t for her. Her six-month placement quickly taught her the organisational, communication and time management skills she now uses every day managing a herd of 900 sows.
Gemma credits the support and knowledge she received from her first mentor.
“I would not be where I am today without the knowledge of my mentor and her support,” she said.
After a period of agency work, Gemma was asked back to Vicarsford Farm and quickly progressed, culminating in her promotion to unit manager towards the end of last year.
Now, Gemma has taken on her own pre-apprentice Craig, describing the opportunity as a big achievement.
She says she finds it incredibly rewarding to guide a young person from no experience to gaining valuable knowledge: “It’s really nice to feel like you can make a positive impact on someone else’s life.”
Ringlink needs your help to offer this life-changing start to the next cohort. The sector needs thousands of new entrants, and the successful pre-apprenticeship scheme is the perfect gateway.
Could you share your expertise and inspire the next generation?
We urge more members to come forward and offer a six-month placement. Share your knowledge, skills, and guidance – you could be the mentor who launches a career like Gemma’s.
