Our aim is to improve awareness of and access to the extensive opportunities available within the rural sector to all secondary school children in Scotland.  Through delivering in-school engagement sessions, hands on rural career days in the workplace, teacher and industry staff training, residential experiences, and rural industry partnerships for further work experience, we show that there are opportunities for everyone, regardless of academic ability or additional support needs. 

This takes place through the “Pathways to Rural Work” initiative, a progressive programme that increases awareness of and access to rural opportunities, qualifications, training and careers to help reduce the attainment gap through providing greater school to work transition opportunities for pupils and students from all backgrounds and abilities.

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As the only countryside education charity in Scotland specialising in the secondary sector and across all rural industries, we are in the unique position to do this.  Our vision is to work regionally across Scotland (as funding allows) in partnership with local grassroots community groups, local countryside employers, schools, NGO’s and colleges.  The long-term aim is to create a sustainable future for Scotland’s environment through engaging young people with the countryside and its social, health & wellbeing, economic, and environmental benefits.

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There are many organisations delivering quality education within their specific areas of the rural sector at the nursery and primary age groups, however the secondary age group is not so well catered for. This  initiative bridges the gap and follows on from the good work delivered by these organisations. 

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Regional Partnership Delivery

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Our initial area of work was in the Tayside area and we have successfully piloted the programme over the last two years with Scone estates, Strathmore and Glamis estates and a cluster of primary and secondary schools in the area, we are also building a new relationship with Snaigow estate.

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As part of our regional growth plan, we now have Regional  Co-ordinators in Tayside, the Cairngorm area, the NE Highlands and the North West Highlands.

 

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If you are interested in the initiative please contact our Executive Director Ian Robertson on the number below.

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