Opinion: Endless opportunities in the agriculture industry
- Published
- Friday 16 August
A Myerscough College agriculture lecturer says there are opportunities available to everyone in the sector.
David Singleton
As students receive their exam results over the course of the next week, many will be looking for their next steps to their chosen career.
David Singleton says there are a wide range of opportunities within the agriculture sector, with various study programme options available at all levels at Myerscough.
Writing in the Farmers Guardian, David says:
‘’Farmers are required to be the master of so many different industries. They are business professionals dealing with financial operations, negotiating with Government bodies, completing paperwork and complying with legislation.
‘’At the same time they are plumbers, builders, joiners and mechanics, as well as livestock specialists or growers, all while developing new skills as the business goes through constant change. This means that agriculture can offer careers in all areas working to as high a level as a person wishes to achieve.
‘’Agriculture is a lifelong learning industry that never stands still, providing opportunities at all levels to offer careers to anyone who has an interest and, it is never boring, as it constantly evolves and changes.
‘’The world is your oyster; you can decide on whatever specialism you wish, and not being tied to a family farm can also be an advantage as it means you have an opportunity to move around, expand know ledge and increase employability prospects.
‘’There are massive opportunities outside the more traditional jobs – former students have gone on to Top five tips for clearance work in journalism, run livestock enterprises, become buyers for genetics companies, machinery specialists, become farm advisers and feed merchants.
‘’Some have gone on to develop entrepreneurial enterprises, such as opening farm shops or running milk vending machines to help im prove farm income and adding value to farm produce.
‘’The options are endless. There is a huge skills shortage in agriculture meaning that you will get a full-time job in the industry when qualified if you wish, but be prepared to work hard to be the best you can be, and do not attend college thinking it is a soft option, because it is not.
‘’The friends and connections you make will stand you in good stead for the future and you get out of college what you put in. Remember, it is not an extension of Young Farmers and you will be expected to work, but the rewards can be amazing. I am a lifelong advocate of learning; it is what keeps this business exciting – things move fast once you enter the agricultural industry and you will be learning for the rest of your life.’’
Places are still available for September 2024 entry.