SEVERE labour shortages on Dartmoor farms, and the fear that unique skills which keep the moor a living landscape could die out, have prompted a new training scheme for young people. The Dartmoor Hill Farm Project is looking for four school-leavers to sign up on its two-year apprenticeship. If all goes well, they will leave with an NVQ in livestock production from the Duchy College at Stoke Climsland, tractor driving and quad bike handling certificates, and a wealth of knowledge and expertise on hill farming. Project officer Sandra Dodd was confident that the apprentices would have no trouble finding work afterwards. She said: 'Hill farmers are having great difficulties getting labour to gather sheep and with pony drifting. The aim is to encourage these youngsters to form a labour ring at the end so their skills are available to farmers. Because farmers aren't able to employ people full-time, there is a labour shortage – they would be in great demand.' The idea is the brainchild of fifth-generation farmer Layland Branfield, of Moorland Farm, Princetown, who knew of young people keen to learn but who had no opportunities because their families had discontinued farming. 'There was no way for them to pick up specific Dartmoor skills, like crossing the moor, dealing with the cattle and sheep in large open areas, recognising other people's stock – all the things that don't get picked up in colleges. 'I thought there must be a way of farmers providing training and rewarding them for passing on the skills,' said Mr Branfield. The apprentices will work on six or more farms, helping with lambing, calving, shearing, trimming, working sheepdogs on the moor and navigation. Experts will be called in to brief on Defra's Environmental Sensitive Area scheme, which covers most of Dartmoor and on working with the Ministry of Defence. 'It's a great start for someone who's keen and committed. No one can say it is going to be easy. To be in the middle of Dartmoor on a rain-drenched day, you have got to be dedicated and not everyone is. It is a good life but a hard one. 'For some youngsters it is a real challenge,' said Mrs Dodd The Moorskills scheme is being funded by a mixture of European money, Defra and the Dartmoor National Park Authority. Anyone interested should contact Sandra Dodd on 01626 836013. The deadline for applications is July 7.