Now I’m not cooped up: Londoner swaps inner city for 'perfect' life on chicken farm in Somerset

A Londoner says he is leading the “perfect” life after leaving the inner city to take an apprenticeship at a poultry farm in the West Country.

Chris Chipatiso, 23, from Wood Green, is currently working at Knaplocks farm in Bridgwater, Somerset.

He said: “Ever since I was young, I knew I was happiest outside and I wanted a job that didn’t keep me indoors. Farming means I can spend pretty much my whole time outside as I work, which is perfect.”

After his A-levels Mr Chipatiso applied to Writtle Agriculture College in Essex and graduated last year with a diploma. He found an application form online for the Sainsbury’s Agriculture Apprenticeship scheme, created with jobs site Staffline Agriculture.

The Birmingham-based course combines theory with farm placements. Apprentices learn about new technology in the industry such as drones and computer monitoring systems. “I’m interested in the food production side and knowing where things come from that we buy in the shops,” said Mr Chipatiso.

“I applied and was accepted which was really good, especially as I am from London and don’t have anyone else in my family in a similar industry.”

Students leave with a City & Guilds level 2 diploma, with the opportunity to study for level 3 and 4. Apprentices earn the minimum wage. “I’m learning so much. Apprenticeships are the best way to get into this industry. We are all paid too — it’s win-win situation.”

Research suggests the industry will need 60,000 new staff by 2020 just to replace retiring farmers. Robert Honeysett, Sainsbury’s agriculture manager, said: “There’s a gap between what people think of farming and the jobs available. It’s one of the most dyn-amic industries.”

Email farm.apprenticeships@sainsburys.co.uk for details.