Mayor explores Craven College’s vision for rural skills
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, paid a special visit to Craven College this week to tour the latest developments on its Auction Mart campus and to learn more about how the College is equipping young people with the skills needed for the future, particularly in the land-based and rural sectors.
The Mayor heard from senior leaders about the College’s current land-based programmes and learned about the College’s future plans, working collaboratively with Craven Cattle Mart and Rural Solutions, to expand and strengthen this provision.
The ‘Gateway to the Dales’, Craven College’s Skipton Auction Mart campus is ideally located to deliver high-quality land-based education. The visit focused on the College’s commitment to developing the next generation of skilled professionals in agriculture, equine and rural industries—sectors vital to the region’s economy and sustainability.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said, “We need to equip our young people with the skills they need, so they can stay and thrive in York and North Yorkshire.
“Craven College is playing a crucial role in this already and they have ambitious plans for the future, ensuring that our young people have the right skills for a rewarding career. That is why we have supported the college with funding through my Skills Innovation Fund, and they are a key part of our Skills Bootcamps.
“Supporting and improving skills, especially in our rural sectors is key. When they succeed, then our village shops, pubs and schools feel the benefit.”
Principal and Chief Executive of Craven College, Anita Lall, added: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor and share how our land-based provision is evolving to meet the future needs of both students and employers. Our setting allows us to offer truly immersive, practical education—something we are passionate about expanding in the years ahead.”
Malcolm Birks, Architect and Head of Design at Rural Solutions – an organisation specialising in rural development, said, “We are delighted to be supporting this unique partnership between Craven Cattle Mart Auctions and Craven College, and to be driving forwards with exciting plans for the land-based skills hub. This project is also a highly relevant model for other areas trying to tackle the deficit in rural skills and create jobs and opportunities for young people.”
The visit supports the York and North Yorkshire Mayor’s key priorities for building thriving and resilient communities and improving skills and employment opportunities in the region, and the important role Craven College plays in helping to deliver these objectives.
Image (l-r) – Anita Lall Principal & CEO of Craven College, Jeremy Eaton General Manger of Craven Cattle Mart Auctions, David Skaith Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, Gareth Dixon Deputy Principal & CEO of Craven College, Malcolm Birks Head of Design at Rural Solutions & Danielle Fox Head of Land-based at Craven College.
