Virtual Rural Week 17 has record attendance.

23 individuals from across the services and ranks attended the Virtual Rural Week 17, which took place 22 – 25 May 23. Below are some of the comments made after the course:

What did you learn from your VRW?

I learnt that this is a very exciting area to explore and eventually work in. I am aware I need to plan and set goals and use the tools provided in the course. It has made me very excited in learning new and exciting things.
Veteran Cpl

I appreciate HighGround for a great opportunity like this. It was a wonderful experience meeting great people and learning from them and acquiring information from experts. I will greatly put what I learned into good use.
Veteran WO1

That I didn’t know enough about what was truly available in the Land Based Sector despite living and growing up in the West Country!
Serving WO1

What impact has the course had on you?

Positive – that it is possible to get into this line of work with a good attitude and determination.
Serving LCpl

PA slight re-think of my strategy for entering into a land-based industry requiring me to have a longer-term approach.
Serving Major

A big impact, I spoke with one of the speakers after the days presentations and he was excellent and extremely helpful giving me advice for the role I was applying for.
Serving WO2

Huge impact, a real eye opener. Hugely supportive set up and network of presenters who genuinely seem to want us all to succeed.
Serving WO1

Which presentation did you gain the most from and why?

The CONFOR presentation was particularly useful as it provided a holistic overview of private and public sector integration for Forestry related work. The opening presentation on self-employment was also useful as it made it very clear just how hard but rewarding this approach is.
Serving Major

The personal journey of the service persons who had transitioned out into the land-based sector.
Serving Colonel
Any other comments?

Great charity. Good to know there is somewhere out there looking at land-based jobs and giving information about it as I struggled to find much through resettlement, a lot of courses are aimed at office jobs which can be disheartening.
Serving AS1

I found out about HighGround too late in resettlement. Not all Service Leavers need or want jobs that involve competition etc. HighGround gives me another more acceptable avenue to pursue. With 2 months left in service the VRW has reinforced things for me. I’d wistfully thought about tractor licences etc, now I will do them over winter along with many other things highlighted during the VRW like hedging, dry stone walling etc.
Serving WO1

I appreciate HighGround for a great opportunity like this. It was a wonderful experience meeting great people and learning from experts. I will greatly put what I learned into good use. All the speakers have broadened my horizons. Not forgetting the lots of fun too.
Veteran WO1

Very good 3 days. I’m very new to the Land Based sector. This course opened my eyes to this service. Also broaden my horizons to looking at a career once I create a plan and vision. Thank you so much for this virtual 3 days and look forward to the RRW in July.
Veteran Cpl