In September 2024, Countryside Learning Scotland hosted a large rural careers event at the Macdonald Resort in Aviemore alongside the Cairngorms National Park Authority. Your Future Here was a full-day event, focusing on demonstrating rural career options through hands-on activities, workshops, live speakers and Q&A’s. It was supported by twenty-five different local businesses, agencies and organisations from a range of different sectors, from traditional land use and agriculture to recreation adventure and renewable energy – highlighting the diversity of career opportunities available within the Cairngorms National Park.
Around 400 people attended the event, 170 of whom were senior pupils from seven local high schools within and surrounding the Cairngorms National Park. One short summary from a teacher at Alford Academy read:
“It was such a positive and well organised event. The pupils from Alford loved it and were buzzing on the way back to school. They wanted to stay for longer…”
The event was featured in the national media by STV News and BBC Landward, giving some important exposure to the difficulties that rural employers face in recruiting skilled, enthusiastic young people.
Episode 22 of BBC Landward can be found here: Landward – 2024: Episode 22 – BBC iPlayer
The event supported many young people in progressing their career journeys in various rural industries. One young person obtained a CNC Operator apprenticeship at Hydrasun Aviemore. Seven people progressed to interview stage for jobs with NHS Highland after meeting NHS staff at the event. Additionally, GrowBiz took on an additional 23 new clients following YFH, demonstrating how many young people within the Cairngorms and surrounding rural areas are pursuing entrepreneurial ventures and self-employment. The Cairngorms National Park Authority also offered work experience packages on the day of the event, which were successfully attained by students at the event.