The latest crop of Elders trainees has hit the ground.
The Elders Traineeship Program provides practical and realistic training to the next generation through on-the-ground training and mentoring from people within the Elders network.
Here’s what a few of the trainees said about the program.
Brittany Phippen grew up in Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley, NSW, where she attended C.B Alexander Agricultural College and completed a Diploma of Agriculture.
After working as a station hand in the Northern Territory and Queensland, Brittany decided she wanted to get into agency and will join the St George Elders branch next week.
Ms Phippen said completing a traineeship through Elders meant she was “getting on the job training while doing something you love every day”.
Charlie Butt, originally from Jugiong NSW, left his job at a pastoral company to pursue a long term career in an ever changing industry.
“I really enjoyed the workshop in Albury as it gave me a chance to share my experience of my traineeship thus far with other trainees, and also the older trainees and to hear what their experience has been like,” he said.
“It was a good chance to meet new people from interstate and catch up with mates that I have met previously.
“When I have completed the traineeship I want to follow through with my training and set myself up in my local area with a strong client base, who can rely on me to be efficient and reliable,” Charlie says.
Adelaide Hills’ Ben Gregory intends to make his aspiration of becoming a stock agent a reality through the Elders Trainee Program.
After completing the initial trainee workshop in Albury, Ben says he particularly enjoyed the time with Elders agents who have been in the industry – including Damien Webb, Steve Ridley, Chris Howie and Peter Cox.
“Listening to Jack Coleman was invaluable. As a young person it was easy to relate to Jack and his journey becoming an agent for Elders.”
Joshua Reeves’ passion for agriculture came to him later.
After the Waroona bushfires in the west, farmers replaced wood fence posts with metal.
Josh worked as a welder during this process, and then got a job as a farm hand before realising he wanted to work with Elders.
Josh hopes to become an ‘A grade stock agent’ after completing the trainee program.
“The thing that I am most looking forward to working for elders is just to learn as much as I can and enjoy being part of such a successful team.
“I hope to be a positive contributor to those around me and help Elders continue to grow as a whole while making great friendships and relationships along the way,” Josh said.
The next round of the 2017 Elders Trainee Program is now open. Click here for more information and to apply.
