The varied opportunities of working in the countryside will be highlighted at a careers day with a difference in October.

Students enjoying their day at the
2007 Countryside Careers Event

The second Countryside Careers day, organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, takes place on Wednesday 15 October at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

The Society is best known for organising the annual Great Yorkshire Show but has a pro-active education department which year round organises a wide range of events to highlight the important role played by farmers in producing our food and looking after the environment.

Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive of the Society, said: “Students rarely consider working in the countryside when it comes to deciding what they want to do for a living. Yet we need people in farming or agricultural-related areas just as much as in the white-collar industries if our rural regions are to survive. Countryside Careers will hopefully open up new options for the students when they are choosing what to do when they leave full-time education. “

More than 1,000 students aged mainly from 11-16 years are expected to attend event from schools around the Yorkshire and Humber region. A range of careers will be featured from the areas of food, farming, agricultural and horticultural machinery, wildlife and the countryside, while displays with practical activities will allow students to get hands-on and try the skills needed in each area.

Hazel Baker, Education Adviser for the Society, said: “Countryside Careers was held for the first time last year and was a great success last year and we’re looking forward to another enjoyable and useful day.

“We hope the students will enjoy the fun way the opportunities are presented, but at the same time understand the more serious message that a career in the countryside can be rewarding, enjoyable and is vital for the future of our rural areas.”

Exhibitors taking part in the day include:

National Hedgelaying Society
Bradford & District Handweavers
Ripon Select Foods
Emsleys Crane Hire
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
Falconry UK
Flamingo Land Zoo
Yorwoods

Agricultural colleges will also be represented, including Askham Bryan College, York; Bishop Burton College; Craven College, Skipton; Myerscough College, Lancashire; and the University of Cumbria.

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