1 minute read
Careers
Young people are generally positive about careers in the agri-food industry, describing possible career opportunities as ‘rewarding’, ‘well paid’, ‘resilient’, and ‘fulfilling’. They also recognise that the agri-food industry offers careers that can have a positive impact and are important for the environment. But they tend to lack specific information about the career opportunities available and the practical steps on how to enter the agri-food industry. They choose their future career/next steps by the age of 16/17, but they do not have a good understanding of what a career in the agri-food industry looks like – what roles there are, land-based colleges and universities and what career progression is available.
They require further guidance on how to link their school subjects to agriculture-related careers. They express a clear interest in work experience placements and attending onfarm experiential learning events to explore different career paths in agriculture. They also ask for greater links to industry experts in their professional setting or in school – and not at career events. When asked to identify the ‘most interesting careers in the agri-food sector’, environmental scientist, farm vet, and chef were common responses.
Next Steps:
Offer work experience placements to provide young people with practical insights into the different career options in agriculture.
Provide clear guidance on how to place school subjects at the forefront of links to agriculture-related careers and not vice versa.
Ask industry professionals, agriculture colleges, and apprentices to talk directly with young people and share their experiences and knowledge.
Develop a programme for young people to join during their sixth form with different agricultural industry placements offered – a few days, weekends, or during school holidays to provide them with varied experiences and touchpoints.
Offer teacher training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for teachers on career guidance to support them in providing the right information to their students.
