Teesdale School students learn about rural careers

CAREER opportunities offered by the farming and wider agricultural industry came under the spotlight at a special event organised by the Darlington and Bishop Auckland NFU team at Teesdale School.
The event brought together ten industry professionals, including farmers, vets, agronomists, agricultural machinery dealers, land agents, conservationists and insurance specialists. They offered sixth form students a “speed dating” opportunity – challenging them to find out as much as possible about the different careers in three minutes.
The brainchild of teacher Olivia Richardson and NFU group secretary Becky Wright, the aim was to highlight career prospects offered across the agricultural sector.
Ms Wright said: “We saw a great mix of students on the day and they showed a lot of interest in the different careers being showcased. I was delighted to see how enthusiastic they were – it made the event really worthwhile for everyone involved.”
Darlington NFU branch chairman William Maughan said while a lot of farmers’ sons and daughters took part, it was good to be able to open their eyes to the wider industry.
On the back of the event Matthew Bell, from Croft Farm Estate, was able to offer a student the chance to work on the farm during the busy Christmas period when Christmas trees go on sale, with potential for summer farm work next harvest season.
Valuable work experience is also on the cards for a student who approached Tim Sedgewick, at H&H Land and Property.
Pupils also had the chance to meet students and staff from Newcastle University’s School of Agriculture Food & Rural Development. They outlined the range of course options on offer which included a year’s paid work experience. Finally the students were asked to prepare presentations about the career that they were most interested in pursuing with prizes for the best one sponsored by Sam Turner and Sons, Piercebridge.
Those who took part were as follows: Becky Wright, NFU Mutual Insurance; Laurie Norris, National Farmers Union; Caroline Baker, National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs; William Maughan, Farmer; Tim Sedgewick, H&H Land and Property; Jennie Stafford, Game and Wildlife Conservancy Trust; Matthew Bell, Croft Farms; Alex Law, Carrs Billington; Richard Wise, DKB Crop Protection; Beckie Cordner Castle Veterinary Surgeons.