Harrogate careers event inspires next generation of Yorkshire farmers

British Wool with children from Lady Manners School Bakewell (Image: Gerard Binks)

A hands-on careers event in Harrogate is helping students discover the wide range of opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Agritunity, held at the Pavilions of Harrogate, brought together secondary school and college pupils from across the region to explore land-based careers through interactive workshops and an industry insight talk.

The event, organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, brought together 25 businesses and aimed to showcase the diversity of roles available in modern agriculture.

David Tite, manager at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: "Agritunity has been an important event in inspiring and encouraging the next generation into the agricultural industry.

"We see new technologies and methodologies emerging every year which need IT experts, accountants, solicitors, managers, feed experts, soil specialists and all kinds of other skills to be implemented.

"This event was designed to showcase those opportunities, including cutting-edge STEM applications such as finance, engineering and research, many of which are attractive to young people."

Pupils from years 8 to 13 took part in four workshops and an industry insight talk before exploring additional activities of interest.

Hands-on experiences included trying out a mechanical racehorse, handling fleeces, learning about Wi-Fi-connected agricultural vehicles, and exploring wildfire management techniques.

Hayley Bontoft of Land Manners School in the Peak District said: "We try to make sure we understand, celebrate and appreciate our farming students but there is no agricultural education in our area so this was a great opportunity to raise their aspirations."

Andrew Bell, who works with farmers on behalf of Muller, said he felt it was difficult for young people to get into the agricultural industry, and welcomed the event as a positive step.