SPEAKING UP FOR RURAL CAREERS
A visit to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s careers event three years ago proved life changing for a North Yorkshire student – and he is returning to next month’s event to inspire others.
As a 15 year old, Jimmy Fawcett attended “Careers in Focus” at the Great Yorkshire Showground and to his surprise, found himself on the rostrum taking part in a mock livestock auction. The experience was pivotal as he has since gone on to become an auctioneer and now, aged 18, he will return to the event to talk about his career path.
2015 Careers in Focus takes place on Tuesday 6 October and will highlight the wide range of options open to young people including those in the rural sector.
The event is a one stop shop for students to speak to experts and learn more about a host of employment and training opportunities from the 80 or so stands and displays. Jimmy is one of a number of speakers who will share their experiences with the 1,500 secondary students who are attending.
He explained: “I was in Year 11 at school and went along to Careers in Focus with my mother. Auctioneer Scott Donaldson was holding a mock cattle auction, he knows my family and suddenly he called me up to have a go. I realized it was something I could perhaps do and that was the start of everything.” Jimmy, whose family farm near York, has been the Junior Auctioneer at Leyburn Auction Mart since July 2014.
Organiser, Liz Hudson said: “We will be inspiring young people to explore a whole range of careers, including options in the rural sector. Given the increase in world population and shrinking acreage for food production, the industry needs talented individuals.”
“For the first time we have included a range of short seminars with speakers such as Jimmy who have successfully found a route to a job they love – and are happy to share their experiences and lessons learnt. A new feature is a CV Clinic plus there will be mock interview sessions available,” said Liz who is the Society’s Charitable Activities Manager.
Amongst the many organisations and businesses taking part are a vet practice, solicitors, estate and land agents, The Armed Forces, and extensive list of colleges, universities and associations.
For more information contact Di Kirkman, Education Co-ordinator on 01423 546283 or email dik@yas.co.uk Or see www.yas.co.uk
ENDS
29 September 2015
Judy Thompson, PR Manager. 01423 546215 or judyt@yas.co.uk
EDITORS’ NOTES
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society was established in 1837 with the primary purpose of holding an agricultural show and for the furtherance and support of farming in the region. This ethos continues today, through its flagship events, the Great Yorkshire Show (Tues 12 – Thurs 14 July 2016) and Countryside Live, (Sat 17 and Sun 18 October 2015). Year round it has an active programme of events and activities supporting the farming and rural communities, particularly in the North of England. It also runs Fodder, the award winning regional food shop and café. The Society is based at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, N. Yorkshire. For more information see www.yas.co.uk
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