Rural career top of the timetable

Farming and the countryside as a career choice for young people will be put firmly in the spotlight for teachers and careers advisors from across the region at a conference next week (Thursday 8 November).

Ellie Harrison, of BBC TV’s Countryfile who will be the keynote speaker at the event

The event, which will be held at Askham Bryan College, York will aim to show that there’s far more to a rurally orientated career than driving a tractor or looking after animals. It is organised by the Food, Farming and Rural Network in conjunction with the College, Science City York and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Entitled: “A Future in Food Farming & The Environment, A Career to Consider”, it follows last year’s successful conference which was attended by more than 100 delegates. And a number of new sectors have been added.

Steve Willis, Chair of the Food, Farming and Rural Network said: “There’s a misconception that choices for a career in the countryside are quite narrow and of course that’s not the case. There’s huge choice out there – from working in agricultural research to becoming a vet to developing new food products. There’s huge potential for talented young people and by talking to careers advisors and teachers, we want to get that message out there.”

Ellie Harrison of BBC TV’s Countryfile will launch what will be the third careers event. She will address business leaders and careers advisors from across the North of England with delegates representing a range of interests – from Cambridge University, to secondary Yorkshire schools to the Youth Support Service in the East Riding.

After Ms Harrison’s introduction, delegates can tour the college campus where options and career paths in five sectors are presented – “From Farm to Fork” – which highlights the many and varied aspects of food production, “Going Green” – for careers in the environmental sector; and careers in the business, the equine industry and science. Representatives from businesses and organisations across all the sectors will be available to give more detail and talk through the opportunities.

Pre registration is required. Lunch is provided. For a free place and for further information contact 01904 772269 or email marketing@askham-bryan.ac.uk

The conference is organised in partnership with The Yorkshire Food, Farming & Rural Network, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and SCY, formerly Science City York.