It's that time of year again.
The nervous wait for A-level results is finally over, and the UK's brightest 18 to 19-year-olds are excitedly planning for university, or preparing to take that first tentative step onto the career ladder.
For many, these results may not be exactly what they had hoped they would be. But all is not lost. Job opportunities in the farming and agricultural sector are endless for young innovators, the next generation of entrepreneurs and the academically gifted alike.
Missing out on the career of a lifetime?
Disappointingly, despite the opportunities available in the sector, agriculture jobs and careers in farming are not considered by many young people.
Yet high numbers do well in relevant and useful subjects like biology, chemistry, social sciences and other similar disciplines.
Hopefully, 2018 could see an injection of talented, forward-thinking young people overcoming the long-held image problems of farming jobs and agriculture.
The latest crop of college leavers could be key to addressing such problems as an ageing workforce, a global food crisis and the need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming methods - potentially exciting and rewarding prospects for new talent.
However, according to the Times Higher Education Supplement, degrees in Agriculture and related subjects received the second fewest amount of applications in 2016/2017.
Hopes high for bringing more talent to the sector.
Thankfully, evidence from other sources suggests that despite remaining amongst the least popular degree subjects, applications to study agriculture at University are growing.
Hopefully, younger people are finally seeing agricultural recruitment opportunities as realistic, worthwhile prospects - and recognising the wide range of farming job opportunities and careers available.
And these are a far cry from just shearing sheep and sowing crops.
Modern farming is as much about problem-solving on a global scale, to ensure environmental and humanitarian crises in the form of dwindling food stocks and unsustainable farming methods are addressed.
But the practical, day to day tasks involved with getting food from the farm and onto people's plates will also remain.
Some of the hands-on work technically-minded young people would potentially love includes agricultural machinery and engineer jobs and animal health and veterinary jobs.
But key agricultural job vacancies today also involve data analysis, a sound business acumen, new and innovative ways of using emerging technologies, IT skills, project management and leadership qualities.
Groundcare jobs, horticultural jobs and general farmworker jobs would appeal to the practically minded, hands-on worker with a love of nature and the outdoors.
But the world of farming recruitment also has something to offer the next generation of sales, management and marketing professionals.
This wide range of opportunities also means that the door to the sector is wide open to people wishing to work at all levels, regardless of academic history and grades.
A job in agriculture awaits you!
Perhaps you're a graduate at the start of your career, looking to undertake postgraduate study, an undergraduate of agriculture or any other degree useful to the sector?
Or maybe you are a school leaver about to get your GCSE results and go straight from school into work?
Wherever you find yourself right now, a career in farming and agriculture could be just around the corner.
Despite the many challenges farming and agriculture faces - challenges it shares with so many sectors, industries and trades clamouring to recruit the brightest young stars - there is a lot to inspire young people to be part of what could be a positive future, with their input.
Some impressive stats demonstrate that, far from dying in poverty, British agriculture and farming is thriving - requiring more young people coming in to continue to serve our growing population.
Many people wrongly believe there aren't many agriculture and farm jobs out there, but most people would be surprised to learn the sector employs at least 3.5 million people.
And far from the belief that most of the produce we buy in our shops comes from abroad, almost two-thirds (63%) of the food we eat in the UK is grown on British soil. This figure will only increase as the population rises.
As well as continuing to use traditional farming methods which give rise to roles for agricultural technicians, agricultural machinery and spare parts jobs, livestock jobs and grain jobs, to name but a few, the sector uses cutting edge technology and IT that requires constant upgrading and innovation.
To achieve success and sustainability in the sector, modern farming and agriculture recruitment needs also include talent in business and administration, research and development, high-level consultancy, education and teaching, marketing, public relations and the media.
This should make the sector appealing to a wide range of young people of varying talents and abilities.
Be part of the change towards sustainable living for everyone
There is a growing awareness amongst younger people of the impact generations of the human race before them have had on the planet - and the environmental, ethical and sustainability challenges our thriving existence continues to pose.
Therefore, what could be more motivating for young people today to work in agriculture and farming jobs, managing precious farming resources to address the global crisis of the lack of available high-quality food to serve to exploding populations?
Making farming and agriculture attractive to young people is a problem in itself, but there are already many shining examples of younger generations of farmers and agriculture workers using innovation to market and promote the sector in a more positive light.
One such example is Luke Craven, co-founder of the award-winning cricket farm BiJimini. Going some way to prove the idea insects could provide an environmentally friendly, ethical and sustainable long-term solution to the world's growing food crisis, his farm produces the high-protein cricket blended flour, PowerFlour.
So whatever your exam results, if you're unsure of your next step on the training or career, open your eyes to the wide range of opportunities available in agriculture and farming.
If you'd like to learn more about job opportunities within this sector then please visit: https://www.agrirs.co.uk/contact-us/ and contact our experienced and helpful team today!
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