Warwickshire News Mine

Food Technology and careers teachers are tomorrow discovering more about farming, and will then be taking the lessons learned back to the classroom.

Thirty-five teachers and Connexions Personal Advisers from all over the West Midlands will attend the Dairy Event and Livestock Show on Thursday, the second day of this annual two day event, organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) and held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

Teachers will spend the morning learning about “A day in the life of “various people who have found diverse employment within the agricultural industry. They will hear from a dairy farmer and a large animal vet amongst others, before being taken on a guided tour of specialised areas of the event of particular interest to them.

Julie O’Toole from the Warwickshire Education Business Partnership, a part of Warwickshire County Council, said, “This annual event gives teachers from various disciplines a unique opportunity to talk to a great many employers on one site.

"Young people will benefit in many ways, from the careers information on employment within the Agricultural Industry to learning about Food Technology and Science within the context of the Dairy Industry – important to all our lives today.”

The show offers farmers, processors, retailers and the supply trade the opportunity to see what is going on in Britain’s Dairy Industry and gives exhibitors the chance to present their products and services to over 13,000 potential customers.

The RABDF are working in partnership with Farming and Countryside Education (FACE), The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, the Warwickshire Education Business Partnership and Coventry and Warwickshire Connexions in order to offer teachers from all over the Midlands the opportunity to experience real life examples from the agricultural sector which they can then incorporate into their teaching of the curriculum.

Careers teachers and Personal Advisers will be able to chat at length to various people within the industry and update their knowledge on a diverse range of careers for young people.

Jenny Stokes from Connexions Coventry and Warwickshire added: ‘‘This is an excellent opportunity for Connexions staff to see the very diverse range of work available and latest skills needed in today’s dairy industry. It will enhance the guidance Personal Advisers give to young people leaving school or college who are making career decisions."

RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington, commented: “The dairy sector is facing a skills shortage in virtually every sector, from herdsman to nutritionist. Therefore we are pleased to provide our visitors with the opportunity to find out what goes on in the industry - from gate to plate, develop links, meet college staff and find out first hand from the young people themselves why they opted for a challenging and rewarding career within dairying.”

Link to WCC