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The popular Business Skills award is set to return to the AgriScot event for 2022.

Now in its twelfth year, the award, which is sponsored by NFU Mutual and supported by SRUC, carries a 1,000 cash prize for the winner while looking to equip the next generation with valuable skills and networks to help them get ahead in the rural sector.

Ultimately, it offers young individuals the chance to prepare themselves ahead of choosing a career path, says Heather Kerr, SRUC lecturer and co-ordinator of the award.

Platform

She says: 鈥淭he competition is a great platform for skill development for those who might be looking to secure that first job or develop their career.

鈥淭here are many networking opportunities for those taking part, with the three finalists also provided with mentors through the Royal Bank of Scotland between the semi-final and final stage, as well as feedback throughout.鈥�

Those competing will go head-to-head in three different stages of the competition in total, which has already seen them compile a CV and short statement on this year鈥檚 theme of business reliance, followed by a semi-final hosted by a panel of judges on-farm, which involves a farm tour followed by a discussion around aspects of the farm enterprise with applicants.

Semi-finalists from a 鈥榥orth鈥� and 鈥榮outh鈥� final with the top three scores will now compete in the final which will take place at the AgriScot event.

Miss Kerr says: 鈥淲e try and keep each year鈥檚 theme quite topical in-line with what is happening in the wider industry. With soaring costs, staff recruitment challenges and food security concerns, this year鈥檚 theme of resilience is very relevant.鈥�

Benefits

And while the monetary prize is impressive, she adds that there are many additional benefits to be had as a result of taking part.

鈥淭he practice you get at doing these sorts of interviews provides an opportunity to develop skills and with feedback on offer, there is also an opportunity to find out where your strengths and weaknesses are and how best to work on them.鈥�

The Business Skills award is open to all individuals between the age of 18 and 25 years old with an interest in developing their personal skills.

Applications for the 2023 competition will be launched in early September next year, with details available nearer the time on the SRUC website at sruc.ac.uk.