Inspiring a career in dairy among students at career expo

In partnership with Harrison & Hetherington at the Borderway Mart, Carlisle, school and college students gathered from across Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria to meet with business exhibitors and explore the different roles within the dairy industry to help combat the decreasing workforce.

Over 400 school students gathered, with Dumfries and Galloway students venturing from Langholm, Dalbeattie, Moffat, Kirby Stephen, and Annan. Plus students from SRUC and Kendall College gathered to discover what the industry has to offer and meet with businesses from national milk processors to local employers.

Exhibitors included First Milk, Müller, Lactalis, Paragon Vets, Cogent UK, Carrs Billington, DeLaval, and SRUC. Additionally, students were able to witness demonstrations and try hands-on experiences with practical dairy skills such as milking, hoof trimming, and AI using a model cow.

Think Dairy careers expo, Borderway Mart Carlisle

The students then heard from Tracey Roan, business owner of Roan Dairies and NFUS policy advisor as she encouraged students to not feel ashamed of not knowing what they want to do and that having a varying career is not a bad thing.

Leading onto the second keynote speaker Glyn Lucas who manages dairy sales within H&H, described to the students how his previous career as a dairy cattle fitter from Northern Ireland allowed him to work across the world including America where he later became an auctioneer. He explained how his career in judging has also led him to countries including Belgium, Ireland, and across the UK.

Throughout the day students were encouraged to interact with exhibitors by asking questions in exchange for ‘money tokens’. Which led to the final part of the expo involving all students taking part in a mock cattle auction, with Holstein Friesian cattle put through the ring to represent a real-life sale.

The money tokens collected throughout the event were then used by the students to place bids or create a syndicate among their classmates. This rounded off the day well with students keen to participate, creating a buzz among the ringside.

Donna Walton from the Digital Dairy Chain’s project partner SmartSTEMs said: “Exploring the myriad of career paths available, pupils gained insights from industry experts and discovered the skills and passion needed to thrive in this dynamic field.

“Whether they were drawn to the art of cheesemaking or the science of animal husbandry, the event demonstrated to them a range of carers that they may not have previously considered and all left – ‘Thinking about Dairy’. It was a great event and one that we hope to replicate again in the future.”

Head of strategic projects and communications at H&H, Laura Millar, said: “Dairy farming is very much leading the way in embracing new technology and transforming the sector for the future, and we are delighted to be able to help raise awareness and encourage interest from the next generation, who we hope will take dairying forward as a career choice.”