Sparsholt College has welcomed over 1000 Year 8 and 9 pupils plus their teachers to its third annual Sparsholt Futures event. This exciting event aims to open local school students’ eyes to the exciting careers open to them in science, technology and sustainability in the land, environment, outdoor, sport and animal sectors. Industry exhibitors, Sparsholt college experts and students showcased cutting edge technology across Sparsholt’s 183-hectare countryside campus.
The school groups explored a route through the campus, filled to the brim with different exhibitors and activities, to find out how to get started on the road to success in their chosen fields. Activities ranged from STIHL showcasing cutting-edge technology and The Innovation Agritech Group who build world-class aeroponic vertical farming systems using ground-breaking patented technology.
Students were also able to meet lecturers from Sparsholt College and University Centre Sparsholt who were using Sparsholt’s extensive facilities such as their Equine Racewood Simulator, Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre, Veterinary Nursing Centre, and Aquatic Research & Conservation Centre and Sports Hall.
Emma Rex from Woodlands Community College in Southampton said: “It’s been a great opportunity for our year 9’s to really see what is on offer at Sparsholt. The students have learned so much today of the different courses they can take and the different activities that you do here. Woodlands is quite an inner-city school and so for some of our students, they don’t often get out into the countryside, so some of the things that they’ve seen here today are things that they’ve never seen before. And I think that’s opening new opportunities for them of what they can do after school.”
A student from Testbourne Community School, said: “It was an excellent college and I really enjoyed the trip. It was a great opportunity to get a feel for an agriculture environment and I recommend it to anyone wanting to have a career within the country atmosphere.”
Sparsholt College Group Principal, Julie Milburn, said: “This was such a great event for local pupils who got the chance to learn about emerging technologies and the potential careers that await in the land, environment and animal sectors. Hopefully they have left the event feeling inspired, knowing there are many more vocational opportunities and careers they can progress to once they’ve left school.
We were delighted that so many of our exhibitors and friends from the many professions and businesses we work with were able to come along and play such a key role in the day and we would like to thank them for helping to enthuse the next generation of students wishing to pursue a STEM career.”