Scotland’s newest up-and-coming livestock auctioneers are being backed by the industry’s leaders as they embark on studies that will shape the course of their careers.
Four more Scottish students have started work on the renowned Livestock Market Operations and Management course at Harper Adams University in Shropshire.
They are being supported in their studies with grants from the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), which is playing a pivotal part in ensuring the livestock sector has the right skills – and the best possible people – to secure success for the future.
The new students are already employed by auctioneering companies, where they have been gaining a grounding in the industry at its coalface.
That on-the-job experience will dovetail with learning the academic aspects of the business – including its legal, regulatory and financial frameworks – taught by the team of experts at Harper Adams during block releases there.
The new students are:
- George Brown, of Orkney Auction Mart Ltd
- Michael Craig, of Craig Wilson Ltd, Ayr
- Joel McGarva, of Harrison & Hetherington, Lockerbie
- Murray Steel, of United Auctions Ltd, Stirling
IAAS President Scott Donaldson said: “Nurturing the skills of Scotland’s next generation of livestock auctioneers is critical to the success of our industry, and a core part of our organisation’s work to ensure the sector is fit for the future.
“We have worked with Harper Adams and our members to ensure the best possible training for up-and-coming auctioneers and valuers, equipping them with all the skills they need for a successful and rewarding career.
“For our auctioneers and farmers, there is nothing like the experience of selling in the ring to ensure fair and transparent pricing. I am delighted that IAAS is able to support the new students with their tuition fees and look forward to seeing them put their skills to great use in the rostrum.”
IAAS is supporting students from across Scotland working across four year groups.
The others are: Year two – Jenna Ballantyne, Lanark; Amy Haddow, Lanark; James Scott, Stirling (Caledonian Marts); Andrew Weir, Stirling (UA Ltd). Year three – Oliver Shearman, Stirling (Caledonian Marts); Sam Ferguson, Dingwall; Aimie Bissett, Dingwall; Linzi Henderson, Lanark; Ellis Mutch, Inverurie; Gregor Hamilton, Forfar. Year four – Scott Chapman, Dingwall; Graham Low, Orkney; Kirsty Morton, Stirling (UA Ltd).
Harper Adams’ course in Livestock Market Operations and Management is tailored for aspiring auctioneers and market managers, offering a four-year academic pathway into the industry. It is the route to membership for the IAAS.
Students work in their first two years towards achieving a University Foundation Certificate, designed to provide the bedrock of knowledge and skills needed for livestock auction practice. The final two years builds to the Certificate of Higher Education, which equips students with the knowledge they need to become future mart managers and directors.
The teaching staff includes professionally-qualified auctioneers and valuers with extensive industry experience. They are supported by practitioners at the forefront of current market operations.
Speaking recently about the importance of the auctioneering industry, Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor Dr David Llewellyn said: “Livestock auctioneers can be linchpins of rural communities. They employ people and manage property to play an important role in their local economy while also turning a profit.”
Harper Adams is widely recognised as one of the United Kingdom’s leading education establishments for rural skills and research. Set on a 635-hectare farm, it was recently ranked among the country’s top 20 universities by The Times, securing the title of Modern University of the Year.