Virtual Rural Weeks
The Virtual Rural Week (VRW) was developed in 2020 in the face of COVID-19 restrictions. As the first lockdown took hold it was clear our planned Rural Week programme at Bicton College would at least need to be postponed, or very likely cancelled. The success of the Rural Week programme meant many of the 2020 places were already allocated. To enable HighGround to continue providing support to Service Leavers and Veterans, as much content as was reasonable to do so was moved online.
Many aspects of a Rural Week, visits, hands-on and face-to-face interaction clearly cannot be replicated online. However, some subjects are already delivered by presentation during a Rural Week and certain aspects of other subjects could be adapted to present online. Representing circa 70% of Land-Based Sector employment and self-employment opportunities a VRW now covers the following subjects:
Agriculture – Arable and Livestock – www.velcourt.co.uk
Landscaping – Commercial and Domestic – www.bali.org.uk, www.golandscape.co.uk
Rural Estate Management – www.bowleroakfield.co.uk
Arboriculture – www.hi-line.co.uk/training
Forestry – Forestry England, confor.org.uk
Environmental Conservation – www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Heritage Gardening – www.bali.org.uk
A VRW typically runs from Tuesday to Thursday, with three session per day with breaks between each session. The presenters are often veterans and have supported the Rural Week programme previously so understand the information and detail Service Leavers and Veterans require. Equally they will take questions and provide advice.
Typical Virtual Rural Weeks Timetable
DAY 1
09.30 – Introduction to the land-based sector, considerations when choosing a 2nd career and an individual’s experiences of transition from the military to civilian employment.
11.30 – Landscaping and Heritage Gardening.
13.30 – Agriculture.
DAY 2
09.30 – Rural Estate Management.
11.30 – Environmental Conservation and Park Ranger
13.30 – Forestry.
DAY 3
09.30 – Arboriculture.
11.30 – Post-Covid opportunities, employment considerations and Next Steps.
ENDEX
From an attendee’s perspective this is an opportunity to start developing an understanding of Land-Based Sector employment and self-employment opportunities. To understand career paths in particular sectors, and entry level requirements such as tickets required for chainsaw or telehandler operation, for example. And of course, the opportunity to start networking.
Attendance of a VRW does not preclude attendance of a Rural Week at a later date, and previous VRW attendees have already signed up for a Rural Week.
Once you have confirmed your attendance for all 3 days, we will send you Joining Instructions and Zoom links.
What happens after a VRW?
Heather will by arrangement, call each VRW participant to discuss next steps, answer any questions and arrange more introductions.
VRW dates
2026
VRW28 Tues 17 – Thurs 19 February
VRW29 Tues 26 – Thurs 28 May
VRW30 Tues 15 – Thurs 17 September
VRW31 Tues 10 – Thurs 12 November
To register on a course (there are no restrictions on numbers attending and there is no cost), click the link below:
Virtual Rural Week registration form
Get in touch
If you have any questions, or need further information please contact Heather: operationsmanager@highground-uk.org