College isn’t for everyone, which given the amount of emphasis put on the CAO and results day is hard to believe.
There are many different types of learners. Some people are more practical and learn better through apprenticeships and courses that offer a hands-on approach.
Others prefer to enter straight into the workforce – with the current employment market, there are plenty of job opportunities for anyone finishing school, particularly within the agri-food sector.
Providing a jobs-first approach to careers and education in the land-based sector allows young people or returning educators to find a career they are interested in and guides them through the training required for that role.
One-stop shop
Lantra, formally known as the Agricultural Training Board, was established 50 years ago in Britain. Having expanded into Ireland in 2014, it is now providing training and nationally recognised qualifications, delivered by a carefully selected network of approved training partners.
Through this approach, Lantra provides a platform for people to explore careers in the land-based sector by showcasing the progression opportunities, qualifications and training pathways.
If students are unsure about what direction they want to go in with their further education but know they want to work in the land-based sector, the Lantra website offers advice on career pathways.
According to Paula Smith, director of Lantra, a jobs-first approach ensures that training programmes are closely aligned with the needs of the labour market. Ultimately, this leads to more efficient education, higher employability, economic benefits, and better outcomes for both students and employers.
“Working with industry helps us ensure that the training we develop is tailored to the current demands of the labour market. This helps to bridge the skills gap by aligning our training offer with the actual needs of employers,” she says.
Along with this, it promotes efficiency in training by reducing the time it takes for individuals to transition from education to employment. Students are trained specifically for the roles they are aiming to fill.
“It supports economic impact by equipping individuals with the exact skills needed for available jobs. This approach can help reduce unemployment rates and under-employment,” says Paula.
When students also see a direct line from their training to employment, in Paula’s experience it can increase their motivation and engagement in the course.
It also allows educational providers to be more flexible and responsive to changes in the job market, ensuring that their offerings remain relevant and valuable.
Opportunities in the
sector
It is a great time for young people who are looking to enter the land-based sector as there is a demand for skilled personnel, according to Paula.
Paula Smyth, Director of Lantra.
“Ireland’s land-based sector is experiencing significant growth and transformation driven by innovation and sustainability goals. The competitive nature of these industries is reflected in the salaries, which are increasingly attractive to skilled professionals.
"The demand for expertise in areas such as precision agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and forestry is pushing companies to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain talent,” she says.
Agriculture and Horticulture
These traditional sectors remain vital, with roles ranging from farm management to crop and livestock specialists.
There is also a growing emphasis on sustainable farming practices and organic farming, creating opportunities for those with expertise in these areas.
Forestry
Careers in forestry include forest management, conservation, and timber production. With a focus on sustainable forestry practices, there are also opportunities in research and environmental management.
Environmental Conservation
This sector offers roles in wildlife conservation, environmental consultancy, and land management. Professionals are needed to address biodiversity,conservation planning, and habitat restoration projects.
Agri-Tech and Innovation
With the integration of technology in agriculture, there are emerging opportunities in agri-tech. This includes roles in precision farming, data analysis, and the development of innovative farming solutions.
Rural Development
Jobs in rural development focus on improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. This includes roles in community planning, development projects, and local government initiatives.
Tourism and Recreation
Ireland’s natural landscapes support careers in eco-tourism and outdoor recreation, including roles in park management, tour guiding, and recreational planning.
For more information on Lantracourses visit: www.lantra.co.uk
There are different pathways and career opportunities in the sector from apprenticeships to PLC courses and further education options.A jobs-first approach instead of a college first can ensure that training is developed to meet the employment market needs in the sector.There is a growing global focus on sustainability and environmental policies, driving demand for professionals in these fields. Read more
Educational bodies join forces to combat ag science decline
Celebrating a decade of supporting female entrepreneurs
College isn’t for everyone, which given the amount of emphasis put on the CAO and results day is hard to believe.
There are many different types of learners. Some people are more practical and learn better through apprenticeships and courses that offer a hands-on approach.
Others prefer to enter straight into the workforce – with the current employment market, there are plenty of job opportunities for anyone finishing school, particularly within the agri-food sector.
Providing a jobs-first approach to careers and education in the land-based sector allows young people or returning educators to find a career they are interested in and guides them through the training required for that role.
One-stop shop
Lantra, formally known as the Agricultural Training Board, was established 50 years ago in Britain. Having expanded into Ireland in 2014, it is now providing training and nationally recognised qualifications, delivered by a carefully selected network of approved training partners.
Through this approach, Lantra provides a platform for people to explore careers in the land-based sector by showcasing the progression opportunities, qualifications and training pathways.
If students are unsure about what direction they want to go in with their further education but know they want to work in the land-based sector, the Lantra website offers advice on career pathways.
According to Paula Smith, director of Lantra, a jobs-first approach ensures that training programmes are closely aligned with the needs of the labour market. Ultimately, this leads to more efficient education, higher employability, economic benefits, and better outcomes for both students and employers.
“Working with industry helps us ensure that the training we develop is tailored to the current demands of the labour market. This helps to bridge the skills gap by aligning our training offer with the actual needs of employers,” she says.
Along with this, it promotes efficiency in training by reducing the time it takes for individuals to transition from education to employment. Students are trained specifically for the roles they are aiming to fill.
“It supports economic impact by equipping individuals with the exact skills needed for available jobs. This approach can help reduce unemployment rates and under-employment,” says Paula.
When students also see a direct line from their training to employment, in Paula’s experience it can increase their motivation and engagement in the course.
It also allows educational providers to be more flexible and responsive to changes in the job market, ensuring that their offerings remain relevant and valuable.
Opportunities in the
sector
It is a great time for young people who are looking to enter the land-based sector as there is a demand for skilled personnel, according to Paula.
Paula Smyth, Director of Lantra.
“Ireland’s land-based sector is experiencing significant growth and transformation driven by innovation and sustainability goals. The competitive nature of these industries is reflected in the salaries, which are increasingly attractive to skilled professionals.
"The demand for expertise in areas such as precision agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and forestry is pushing companies to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain talent,” she says.
Agriculture and Horticulture
These traditional sectors remain vital, with roles ranging from farm management to crop and livestock specialists.
There is also a growing emphasis on sustainable farming practices and organic farming, creating opportunities for those with expertise in these areas.
Forestry
Careers in forestry include forest management, conservation, and timber production. With a focus on sustainable forestry practices, there are also opportunities in research and environmental management.
Environmental Conservation
This sector offers roles in wildlife conservation, environmental consultancy, and land management. Professionals are needed to address biodiversity,conservation planning, and habitat restoration projects.
Agri-Tech and Innovation
With the integration of technology in agriculture, there are emerging opportunities in agri-tech. This includes roles in precision farming, data analysis, and the development of innovative farming solutions.
Rural Development
Jobs in rural development focus on improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. This includes roles in community planning, development projects, and local government initiatives.
Tourism and Recreation
Ireland’s natural landscapes support careers in eco-tourism and outdoor recreation, including roles in park management, tour guiding, and recreational planning.
For more information on Lantracourses visit: www.lantra.co.uk
There are different pathways and career opportunities in the sector from apprenticeships to PLC courses and further education options.A jobs-first approach instead of a college first can ensure that training is developed to meet the employment market needs in the sector.There is a growing global focus on sustainability and environmental policies, driving demand for professionals in these fields. Read more
Educational bodies join forces to combat ag science decline
Celebrating a decade of supporting female entrepreneurs
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