FARMING COURSES CAN OFFERCAREEROPTIONS
FARMING COURSES CAN OFFERCAREEROPTIONS
Worried that your son or
daughter wants to enter
agriculture? Try not to
panic, as many of todays
courses leave students well
placed for the job market.
Simon Wragg reports
ANN Ruffer, an adviser with Careers Wales, has seen the impact BSE and foot-and-mouth has had on interest in land-based careers.
"There is genuine concern and many parents are asking sons and daughters to hold on before committing to farming. It is understandable."
The option for teenagers was to stay on at school and take A Levels, but most were determined to enter further or higher education, she said.
And that is why Miss Ruffer was keen to look at the options at the National Sixth Form Conference at Harper Adams University College, Shropshire (next week) that acts as a showcase for establishments offering land-based qualifications.
* Dramatic changes
Land-based courses have changed dramatically in recent years. Many now offer options – or modules – in widely applied skills such as business, finance and marketing.
"Having looked at the choice, my advice to parents is this: If agriculture is the only subject their son or daughter wants to do then let them go ahead, but look for courses that offer options in which to specialise later in their qualification."
Robert Wilkinson, course manager for agriculture at Harper Adams, said the modern emphasis on encouraging business and marketing skills could open up a multitude of careers. "Yes, leavers go on to farm-based positions, but also accountancy firms and major supply and retail businesses.
"Graduates can also benefit from year-long work placements during courses, and employers really appreciate it. Students attitude to work and experience really shows through," he said.
This combination of option picking and work placement clearly appeals to prospective students and parents.
Sarah Hinchcliffe, who studies at Read School, Drax, East Yorkshire, ranks among supporters having visited the conference looking at degree courses on land management. "I like the fact I can pick subjects in which to concentrate which will be more stimulating and challenging than following a rigid plan set by a tutor."
* Not forced
Her parents, David and Patricia, who farm near Goole and have a son, Richard, at agricultural college, agree. "We have not forced our children into farming, but believe it still has a future. Whatever their eventual career, the courses appear to offer the range of skills they will need to compete," said Mrs Hinchcliffe.
Speciality producers will have the chance to sell their foods to the public in one
of Surreys most affluent areas – Guildford – at Henrietta Greens Food Lovers Fair (Sept 7-9). This will be held at Loseley Park. The Fair moves on to Kent from Sept 21-23 when it will be at Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells.
Students attending the conference had the chance to try out course-related activities.