NextGen Dairy Farmers Programme Launches Young Kiwi Careers in Dairy
A 12-month pathway programme has helped kickstart a career in dairy for an 18-year-old student-turned-farmer.
The 32 page booklet looks at dairy farming, agriscience and agribusiness.
Opening with the value of dairying to New Zealand, it poses questions to help young people decide if the dairy sector is for them. The questions are on the themes of farming, science and business.
It lists specific job options in these areas and the training courses that can lead to a qualification for a job the reader favours. Especially helpful are interviews with young people enjoying working in the dairy industry, why they chose it and what they like about it.
The booklet’s creator is DairyNZ’s education facilitator and former teacher, Susan Stokes. She says the booklet replaces older careers publications and examines the many new opportunities in the sector.
“The aim is to show students and parents the wide range of opportunities with good progression in farm jobs, in agribusiness and in agriscience. We have promoted the booklet to careers advisors and teachers, on social media and at careers expos in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton and National Fieldays.”
Stokes says few young people choose dairying because they don’t believe it offers a progressive career and don’t know about the huge array of jobs beyond the farmgate.
The sector needs more people on farms and in supporting roles, she says.
“We want to make more people aware of the career opportunities and to stress that people don’t have to come from a farming background to be successful in the dairy industry. We have great, talented people working in all roles who have come from urban backgrounds.”
