Connecting students with industry members opens minds and doors

Full and part-time students at Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co Cavan looking for an off-farm income met employers showcasing the many different types of jobs available in the sector, at an industry event on 11 February.

Similarly, University College Dublin (UCD) held its annual careers day recently which saw final year students scope out the jobs market and discover what they want to do when they graduate.

During an address to the students in UCD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae, told attendees if they keep their heads down and do what they are good at “you can get anywhere in life”.

“I really believe that our students here today are our future. They are the most integral thing that we have because for us to have sustainable agriculture in the future, we need people. In all different areas of education whether, it will be in food production, in farming itself around the country, all the different available jobs. The message I would have for them is there are so many opportunities out there,” adds Michael.

Irish Country Living caught up with students at both events to see what they plan to do once they graduate and whether they think there are opportunities for young people in the sector.

Keeva Sheridan, sustainable agriculture, DkIT

“I am a dairy and poultry farmer from Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. I think the agriculture industry has come an awful long way and there are a lot more opportunities for young people.

“With the whole area of succession and generation renewal, there is a lot more awareness of young people. There are a lot of people willing to work and take on these jobs and they are being recognised for it, which is great to see.”

Emily Cassells, animal and crop production, UCD

“I come from a beef and dairy farm in Ballymahon, Co Longford. I am thinking of going into research after I graduate. I was on placement in Oak Park Research Centre in Carlow, and the Teagasc Food Research Centre in Moorepark and I found it interesting. I got to see what activities and experiments were being done.

“For anyone thinking of studying agriculture science, I would say there are so many opportunities within the sector at the minute. I think it is probably the best time to be coming out as a graduate. It’s such a big industry and it’s continuing to grow as you’re always going to need food production and farmers. Even if you want to go home to a farm, you gain so many skills and technical information, especially in third and fourth year.”

James Higgins, dairy business, UCD

“I am from Gorey in Co Wexford where we have a dairy farm. That’s why I went into the dairy business course.

“When I graduate college in July, I am going to New Zealand. I will come home next January in time for the calving season.

“I think there are lots of opportunities in agriculture and farming, because of the ageing population. We’re seeing a lot of farmers getting out of farming resulting in land coming up. There are also a lot of jobs coming up – there are roles now that didn’t exist 10 years ago.”

Rory Duffy, Green Cert Level 5, Ballyhaise Agricultural College

“I decided to do the Green Cert so I could learn more about farming as I am hoping to take over from my father when he retires.

“I have learnt a lot about the risks involved with farming and some of the benefits that can be achieved through the Green Cert and other educational programmes on offer. It’s a great way to meet different people in the industry and learn more about farming in general.

“There are lots of opportunities for people when it comes to organics, they are pushing that big time at the moment. It’s a way of being more sustainable with the future of farming, reducing the use of pesticides and the over-dependency on nitrogen.”

Tom Downey, food and agribusiness management, UCD

“We have a thoroughbred horse at home and I was always interested in the agricultural sector growing up, especially with horses. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I came out of school so I decided to do ag science as it has a wide range of topics to choose from.

“There are lots of opportunities, some people in my class are going into industry, and others are working with pharmaceuticals. I completed my placement with an accounting firm, I think I’ll end up going down that route and I would love to come back to horses down the line.”

Killian O’Shaughnessy, equine, UCD

“I initially started off riding out horses in the Curragh, I am from Newbridge in Co Kildare which sparked an interest in the equine and thoroughbred industry. The course in UCD was the most recommended course for progression.

“In the industry, there are a lot of opportunities to travel. I went to Kentucky and worked on a Hunter Valley farm. It’s a very broad industry and if you’re able to cover all aspects of it in the course, it gives you an advantage if hopefully, you’re in a managerial role in the future.

“I am up in the air as to what I’ll do when I graduate as there are so many different things to choose from. I might go back to Kentucky, Hong Kong or Australia, as there are plenty of jobs over that side of the world.”