A 19-year-old has joined H&H Land & Estates as a chartered surveyor apprentice.
Abigail Gate will be based at the H&H Land & Estates office in Carlisle and spend four weeks a year at Harper Adams University.
She will be mentored at the firm by Emma Smith, chartered surveyor and Mike Dyke, an environmental and woodland advisor.
Coming from a farming background on her father’s side, Abigail went to school in Penrith.
After successfully completing her A-levels in environmental science, biology, and drama, she wasn’t sure whether or not to go to university, so she took a gap year.
It was when she got back from her travels that she saw the job with H&H Land & Estates advertised.
“I couldn’t believe my luck – It looked like the dream programme for me,” said Abigail, “and I applied straight away.
“I am so excited to be starting work with H&H as I know that for me the apprenticeship route will work much better than a full-time university course.
“I am really interested in land management, particularly the environmental side of the business, so I can’t wait to get stuck into the programme.”
“I am really looking forward to supporting and working with Abigail,” Emma said. “I know from first-hand experience how much you can learn from working with knowledgeable colleagues.
“As a company we are totally committed to everyone’s professional development and seeing Abigail’s obvious interest and enthusiasm for land management, I am sure she will do really well as part of our team.”
H&H Land & Estates have offices in Carlisle, Cockermouth, Durham, Kendal, Keswick and Penrith.
