MORE than 1,200 students from secondary schools across York and North Yorkshire will converge on Harrogate for a two-day "Skillsfest", starting on Wednesday.

More than 80 companies are laying on special workshops and demonstrations at Skillfest, at the Yorkshire Events Centre, at Great Yorkshire Showground, to give the youngsters hands on experienced of a wide range of different careers.

Skillfest aims to raise students' awareness of careers, training opportunities and progression routes into occupations in various sectors, covering bioscience, digital, food and drink, including agriculture and advanced engineering and manufacturing.

The initiative is backed by the Learning and Skills Council North Yorkshire, using funds from Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency. It is also supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Students will be able to have a go at

Taking a leaf cutting from a garden or house plant with the Royal Agricultural Society

Putting together a short news item or film clip

Using British Army radio systems in a mini-obstacle course

Receiving instructions from RAF Mountain Rescue on how to treat a dummy ejected pilot and transfer him or her to safety

Designing a new highway using Scalectrix to demonstrate some of the principles of highway design

Testing the quality of raw milk samples

Discovering the science behind the conservation of forests with a guided walk through Hookstone Woods, Harrogate.

Hazel Baker, Skillfest project manager, said: "Our proposition to students is simple - Skillfest is exciting, it is inviting and it is hands-on. Take a look into the future, and take control of yours."

Updated: 11:36 Monday, November 29, 2004