The sunshine was out on the hottest day of the year so far as Sparsholt College welcomed almost 1400 Year 8 and 9 pupils and their teachers to its second Sparsholt Futures event! This exciting event aims to open local school students’ eyes to the exciting careers open to them in science, technology and engineering in the land, environment, outdoor and animal sectors. Industry exhibitors and 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 Coombes, Industry leaders in providing comprehensive forestry and arboriculture management demonstrating cutting edge equipment, STIHL showcasing Virtual Reality headsets and Perdix demonstrating species identification, satellite trackers and trail cams to film and photograph wildlife. Students were also able to meet University Centre Sparsholt Lecturers who were showcasing Sparsholt’s facilities such as their Equine Racewood Simulator, Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre, Veterinary Nursing Centre, and Aquatic Research & Conservation Centre alongside other Wildlife Ecology and Conservation activities.
Susie Fenwick from St Joseph’s Catholic School said: “It really was a brilliantly organised event, with lots to see. Couldn’t fault anything. It’s an amazing opportunity for our pupils. It gives our pupils an insight into what’s out there post-16 and plants the seed early when looking into future career options. Sparsholt College is an awesome place in a stunning location.”
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.”
It was clear to the young people visiting Sparsholt that the future in land-based industries is all about technology and science for a sustainable future! The event team was excited to welcome the students to campus and will be refining the event based on the schools’ feedback and running Sparsholt Futures again in 2023.