Your take on training
YFC members explain how NFYFC accredited courses are helping to improve training delivered within YFC and also supporting members in their careers
Raising the bar on training
Name: Milly Wastie
Age: 24
Occupation: Regional officer for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI)
YFC role: Northamptonshire county chairwoman. Also sits on the East Midlands committee, agriculture and rural affairs steering group, NFYFC council and is an NFU representative
NFYFC courses undertaken: Leadership development, train the trainer, advanced train the trainer
“Northamptonshire YFC has five clubs and 170 members. My main challenge is motivating members to get more involved in the running of their clubs, as a lot of the work falls on the same shoulders,” says Milly.
“Each year I try to organise a club officers training evening to ensure members understand the roles they are interested in undertaking and the responsibilities that go with them.
“I’ve also organised a county roadshow to feed into county roles, so that if members are interested in something, such as fundraising or recruitment, they are aware of how to get involved.
“NFYFC courses are great because you can use everything you learn to develop what happens in your counties, and I am now equipped with loads of new ideas of how to approach our members.
“I’ve come away from advanced train the trainer with tips and techniques, such as icebreaker games, which help me engage with people better. I’ve learned to break down some of our meatier courses into smaller components so they are more accessible to everyone, particularly the younger members.
“The training has also helped me immensely in my career and with my own personal development. If it wasn’t for YFC, I wouldn’t be in my job at all. The knowledge gained from courses and YFC activities has given me the confidence to put presentations together and talk about the charity I work for.
“That these courses are now Institute of Training and Occupational Learning (ITOL) accredited shows we are offering training which results in a nationally recognised qualification, so we really are raising the bar, not only on personal achievement, but in improving the knowledge and skill base within the organisation.
“I think it’s really important for anyone holding office in YFC to take these courses. They really do help you understand the responsibilities you have taken on, so you can work better as a team with other office holders.”
Rise to the challenge
Name: Judith Harcombe
YFC role: Upton-upon-Severn YFC club secretary
NFYFC courses undertaken: Leadership challenge
“The weekend was incredible fun, and involved making friends, learning about ourselves and gaining new skills that have helped me develop in my role as club secretary.
“We were all nervous, not knowing what challenges
were planned, but we all got stuck in, got muddy and
had fun. I’d recommend it to any YFC member.”