A past student of the Guild’s new-entrant training scheme, William Wilson, has secured his first full-time post as a journalist with Farmers Weekly.
William was runner-up award winner on the 2007 course and since then has been getting a lot of practical farming experience under his belt while writing his own blog and one for Farmers Guardian.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support of the Guild members and the Guild’s new entrants training course, which has opened up some amazing opportunities for me,” says Will. “I wouldn’t have considered a career in agricultural journalism without it!”
Will grew up on a farm in Suffolk and graduated from Reading University with a degree in food marketing. After a few months travelling he joined MDS (Management Development Solutions) on a course that involved being ‘seconded’ to a number of fresh produce companies.
“My first management role was a big challenge working for Spearhead International growing potatoes on the Suffolk coast,” Will recalls. “My next placement was with one of the country’s biggest fruit importers in Kent. Both opened my eyes to the dynamic, competitive and intense world behind the apples, pears, oranges and potatoes sold in supermarkets across the country.”
Next came a move to France working for a large organic producer supplying Riverford Organics, which brought another set of work and life experiences detailed regularly on Will’s two blogs.
Now, as part of the arable team under section editor and fellow Guild member Richard Allison, Will is helping put together technical coverage for Farmers Weekly, the FWi website and Crops magazine.
Richard is looking to appoint a deputy editor to join the team in the spring.
