A TEENAGE auctioneer will hope to inspire others in the way he was when he returns to Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s careers event.

Jimmy Fawcett was 15 when he attend YAS' Careers in Focus at the Great Yorkshire Showground three years ago and to his surprise, found himself on the rostrum taking part in a mock livestock auction.

The experience was pivotal as he has since gone on to become an auctioneer and now, aged 18, he will return to the event to talk about his career path.

Jimmy lives on his family farm at Sand Hutton and has been the junior auctioneer at Leyburn Auction Mart since July 2014.

He said: “I was in Year 11 at school and went along to Careers in Focus with my mother.

"Auctioneer Scott Donaldson was holding a mock cattle auction. He knows my family and suddenly he called me up to have a go.

"I realized it was something I could perhaps do and that was the start of everything.”

Careers in Focus takes place on Tuesday, October 6 at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate and will highlight the wide range of options open to young people including those in the rural sector.

The event is a one stop shop for students to speak to experts and learn more about a host of employment and training opportunities from the 80 or so stands and displays.

Jimmy is one of a number of speakers who will share their experiences with the 1,500 secondary students who are attending.

Organiser, Liz Hudson said: “We will be inspiring young people to explore a whole range of careers, including options in the rural sector.

"Given the increase in world population and shrinking acreage for food production, the industry needs talented individuals.

“For the first time we have included a range of short seminars with speakers such as Jimmy who have successfully found a route to a job they love – and are happy to share their experiences and lessons learnt.

"A new feature is a CV Clinic plus there will be mock interview sessions available.”

Amongst the many organisations and businesses taking part are a vet practice, solicitors, estate and land agents, the Armed Forces, and extensive list of colleges, universities and associations.

For more information contact Di Kirkman on 01423 546283, email dik@yas.co.uk or visit www.yas.co.uk