A NEW GENERATION FOR REGENERATION

Posted 25 January 2002

THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE WITH A DIFFERENCE

THIS YEAR'S National Sixth Form Conference for 16 and 17 year olds is once again being hosted by Harper Adams University College, Shropshire, and organised in conjunction with the Young Farmers' Clubs, Royal Agricultural Society of England, JCB and Farmers' Weekly.

In addition, a wide range of Universities and other advisers will be speaking on a whole host of opportunities available within the rural and land-based areas of employment. Entitled 'A New Generation for Regeneration,' the conference will bring together more than 250 sixth formers and college students from the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Students interested in Engineering can try out a range of big kit at the NSFC

On the level - students try their hand at land management during the National Sixth Form Conference.

Getting to grips with animals at the National Sixth Form Conference.

The two-day conference offers prospective Higher Education students the opportunity to gain specialist advice on what organisers have dubbed the top twenty rural careers. These are as diverse as Veterinary Science and animal-related careers through to Journalism and Retail Management.

"We want prospective Higher Education students to know what is available nationally," commented conference organiser, Richard Jopling. "Just choosing a course that is right for you is a very difficult decision when there are so many courses available up and down the country.

"However, in the end there is a course that is just right for every particular individual and we want the students to be able to make that important discovery for themselves."

Part of that process of discovery is being able to understand what Higher Education is all about. The Conference not only advises on courses and careers, but also advises on student life and offers lectures and talks on such important topics as 'Financing Your Studies.'

Students also have their own room in University and stay overnight so that they can gain an insight into the residential and social aspects of University life.

Most importantly, the second day of the conference is wholly taken up with practical classes. This provides students with the opportunity to follow up on some of the ideas that they gained on the first day of the Conference.

Nichola Cook from Crowle YFC, in Worcestershire, was just one of the 250 delegates at last years event. "The first day of the conference was really helpful and definitely gave me some good ideas, she said. "However, I have to say that the second day really was an eye-opener and decided me on my future career direction."

However, Nichola also went on to admit: "Having said that I must admit that the evening was really brilliant and the best part of the conference. I met so many people from different YFCs, up and down the country, that you just had to enjoy yourself!"

But will there be jobs for all these students at the end of their courses and is it right to call the conference 'A New Generation for Regeneration?'

Richard Jopling has no doubts: "These days you have just got to get into Higher Education. The Government is determined to drive forward a programme of 50 per cent participation in Higher Education for all our young people.

"If you want to be in the top 50 per cent, and have a graduate career, you must grab the opportunities that are there for you. So, yes, there will be good jobs for the sort of student who comes on this conference and goes on to take the right course for them."

The National Sixth Form Conference takes place on July 8 and 9, 2002. It is open to all students aged between 16 and 18 and costs just £20 including meals and accommodation (£30 total for two students who apply together)

Further information is available from Richard Jopling on 01 952 815 290 or email: rjopling@harper-adams.ac.uk