The competition, in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, will be open to employees and apprentices, under the age of 21, who work for a Norfolk-based employer. Applicants will work within the land-based sector and their employment or apprenticeship will focus on one or more of the following areas: land management, conservation, countryside management, ecology, climate change management, forestry management and horticulture.
This prestigious award will be an accolade which the winner can use to enhance their cv and help with future employment prospects. It will also raise the profile of land-based environment employment opportunities and apprenticeship schemes within Norfolk.
The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, said:
“I am delighted to launch, in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award. This award, with its £1000 prize, aims to encourage and support young apprentices or employees from Norfolk, who are starting out in their career caring for the natural environment. I am passionate about the care of God’s creation, and how biodiversity can be enhanced, and I hope that this award will inspire the next generation to appreciate the natural world as much as I have in my life.”
Mark Nicholas, Managing Director of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), said:
“The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association is delighted to have worked with the Bishop of Norwich to launch this important Award for young employees and apprentices. It is the RNAA’s charitable purpose to encourage the skills to advance the protection and safeguarding of the environment, and this Award is a welcome opportunity to shine the spotlight on some inspiring work being undertaken by our young people. We very much look forward to celebrating the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year at the Royal Norfolk Show.”
Dr Shannon Woodhouse, Manager of the Food & Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT), said:
“The Food and Farming Discovery Trust is thrilled to be involved in the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award. It is important that we encourage and celebrate those that are starting out their career in the protection, maintenance and development of the natural environment, to help us press for a more sustainable future.”
The winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize to help fund the individual’s training requirements, two tickets to the Royal Norfolk Show, and a certificate. They will be presented with their prize by the Bishop of Norwich and the President of the RNAA, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, at the Royal Norfolk Show on Thursday 30 June 2022.
Full details of the competition and how to apply can be found on the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association website. The application deadline is 0900 hours on Monday 16 May. Shortlisting and judging will be undertaken by the Food & Farming Discovery Trust, which is the education vehicle of the RNAA.