Paul Myhill, Enterprise Manager, Farmcare LimitedWhat studies did you do? My parents own a farm in Suffolk and I worked on local farms during my school vacations. At 18, having gained A-levels in geography, biology and geology, I chose to study agriculture. I decided to go to the University of Newcastle upon Tyne to study for an Honours degree in Agriculture (crop production) and achieved a 2.1. What jobs did this lead to? I joined CWS Farms Group in 1993 as part of its management trainee scheme. My initial placement was at Blairgowrie in Perthshire, where I was responsible for fruit pickers. Brief spells at Goole, East Yorkshire and Copston Lodge, Leicestershire followed and in 1995 I went to Stoughton, Leicestershire where I gained valuable experience of dairy farming. Following different appointments, in December 1999 I was promoted to specialist crop manager at the Coldham Estate. The CWS Farms Group's management development programme provided a combination of planned experience and formal training and gave trainees responsibility at a very early stage. What skills had you gained? I developed a wide range of skills including operational skills, husbandry skills (both arable and livestock), resource management and productivity, finance, people management, information and administration. The CWS Farms Group has now become "farmcare" and undergone considerable change. Progression opportunities are still available within the business. I have now progressed to become Enterprise Manager at the Coldham Estate. What benefits are you enjoying? The benefits of working for an organisation like farmcare are varied, but include an attractive salary, an excellent pension scheme, and good career prospects. |
