Countryside Learning Scotland, we aim to improve awareness of and access to the extensive opportunities available within the rural sector and businesses to all secondary school children in Scotland. Through delivering in-school engagement sessions, hands on rural career days in the workplace, teacher and industry staff training, residential experiences, and rural industry partnerships for further work experience, we show that there are opportunities for everyone, regardless of academic ability or additional support needs.

This takes place through the “Pathways to Rural Work” initiative, a progressive programme that increases awareness of and access to rural opportunities, qualifications, training and careers to help reduce the attainment gap through providing better school to work transition opportunities for pupils and students from all backgrounds and abilities.

As the only countryside education charity in Scotland specialising in the secondary sector and across all rural industries, we are in the unique position to do this. Our vision is to work regionally across Tayside in partnership with local grassroots community groups, local countryside employers, schools, NGO’s and colleges. The long-term aim is to create a sustainable future for Scotland’s environment through engaging young people with the countryside and its social, health & wellbeing, economic, and environmental benefits.