BRITAIN'S biggest farming business has launched an apprenticeship scheme aimed at training a new generation of farm workers.

Co-operative Farms is seeking eight apprentices for six of its farms, including its operation in the Borders.

The Co-op said it was looking for 17 to 19-year-olds and previous agricultural experience is not required.

Once on the scheme, the apprentices will get the chance to complete a national vocational qualification in agriculture up to level three. Reaseheath College, in Cheshire, will provide the training.

Co-operative Farms managing director Christine Tacon said the apprentices would also benefit from being mentored by more experienced farm staff within the business, which farms more than 50,000 acres producing a range of crops, many of which are sold in Co-operative Food stores.

The students will learn about key areas of the business, including cereal and root crops, vegetable and fruit-growing. Each apprentice will receive a bespoke teaching package that has been drawn up to suit the farm they are working on, its crops and specific business needs.

Details on the scheme are available at http://www. co-operative.coop/farms/careers. Interviews will be held this month, with successful candidates expected to start work on their allotted farm from the beginning of April.