Today, on World Rural Development Day, we celebrate the people, businesses, organisations and communities that keep our rural areas thriving. From farming and forestry to conservation, estates, tourism and land-based industries, rural communities are built on resilience, collaboration and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.
A thriving rural economy depends not only on the businesses and organisations that support it today, but on creating opportunities for the next generation to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to succeed in rural careers.
That’s why, on 16th July, Countryside Learning Scotland is delighted to host Partnering for Impact at Stanley Village Hall from 10:00am–12:00pm, in partnership with Skills and Employment Support at Perth and Kinross Council.
The relaxed networking event will bring together rural employers, industry organisations, educators and support services from across Perth & Kinross to explore funding opportunities, training initiatives and practical ways to strengthen collaboration across the rural skills sector.
Through short talks, networking opportunities and a panel discussion, attendees will have the chance to share ideas, build new partnerships and help shape solutions for the future of the rural workforce.
“More and more businesses are identifying a shortage of young people coming through in rural industries who are work ready. Training can be a real pressure on a business, particularly those with an already small team. We hope this event will provide a solution-based approach.”
Panel discussion
A key feature of the morning will be the panel discussion, “Building the Rural Workforce: From Education to Employment,” bringing together perspectives from education, careers, mentoring and local rural employers. The discussion will explore how stronger collaboration can create clearer pathways into land-based careers and ensure young people are better prepared for the workplace.
The event will also introduce Countryside Learning Scotland’s new Rural Employability Scheme (RES)—a bespoke training programme designed to prepare young people for the realities of working in outdoor and rural industries.
photo courtesy of Findlay Training
The power of partnership
…is already making a difference across Scotland’s rural sector. Recently, Countryside Learning Scotland coordinated a Lantra ATV Sit Astride course for a group of Young Farmers at Pitmain Estate, Kingussie, delivered by Findlay Training.
By bringing together training providers, landowners and young people, the course gave participants the opportunity to develop practical, industry-recognised skills in a real working environment.
It is a great example of how collaboration between stakeholders can create meaningful training opportunities while supporting the future workforce of rural industries.
Our future
World Rural Development Day is a timely reminder that the future of our rural communities depends on investing in people as much as places. Sustainable rural development is about creating opportunities, supporting businesses and ensuring young people can see a future for themselves within Scotland’s countryside.
No single organisation can solve the rural skills challenge alone. But by bringing together employers, educators, local authorities, training providers and industry partners, we can develop practical, long-term solutions that benefit both young people and the industries they will help shape.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to Partnering for Impact on 16th July as we continue working together to build a stronger future for rural Scotland.
