For the first time at Dairy Day, there will be a Careers & Education Village, offering expert advice clinics on CV and interview preparation, navigating your career pathway and moving up the farming ladder. Those looking for guidance on careers in dairy, agriculture and beyond can gain valuable insights into taking their next step on Saturday15 November at the UL Arena in Limerick.

The Irish dairy industry supports 85,000 jobs, a number that includes direct and indirect employment. It is a key component of Ireland’s economy providing €16bn of economic value.

According to Teagasc, approximately 6,000 new entrants will be needed this year to fill vacancies due to retirement and expansion. This means a steady workflow of talent is needed in the sector.

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The village will help students navigate the wide variety of career opportunities and pathways that exist for those looking at college courses, finishing their degrees, working on farms or looking to make a career move. As well as expert advice, there are networking opportunities and information stands all in one place.

Advice clinics

Three clinics will provide free expert advice to those looking to find a job or move up the career ladder. These will be open for drop-in one-to-one advice from 10am to 2pm. The sessions are 10 minutes long and operate with a queuing system, on a first-come first-serve basis.

Interview prep and CVs

Sarah Buckley, HR manager of The Agricultural Trust, publishers of the Irish Farmers Journal, The Irish Field, Irish Country Magazine and The Irish Garden will be giving advice on CV and interview preparations.

Sarah has over 20 years experience in HR management, consultancy and business partner roles across industries which include media/publishing, professional services, construction, facilities management and financial services.

Sarah Buckley, HR manager of The Agricultural Trust will be giving advice on CV and interview preparation.

On the day, attendees are invited to bring a copy of their CV and cover letter and Sarah can give personalised advice.

“It’s crucial that your job application and interview preparation path sets you apart from the crowd,” she emphasises.

Career guidance

Statia O’Carroll has over 25 years of experience in the recruitment sector. As the founder of O’Carroll Careers in Co Kilkenny, Statia will share her extensive expertise and career insights by mentoring individuals to take the next step in their professional journey.

“The step after college can feel uncertain, but it is also full of potential,” says Statia. “With some practical structure and direction, opportunities can start to open up more quickly.”

At the event, Statia will be able to uncover competencies, skills and untapped potential that people overlook when initially presenting themselves and help those who may feel lost in their career.

She advises those looking for a job to tap into their network.

“Your network is bigger than you think – former lecturers, classmates, placement contacts and family friends can open unexpected doors through sharing their knowledge about a particular role you are interested in or opportunities known to them. Not all jobs are advertised.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance as a short chat with a mentor or career coach can save you and your family months of frustration and help you see your next step clearly.” Visit O’Carroll Careers at Dairy Day and talk to Statia to explore how to take the next step in your career.

Statia O'Carroll founder of O'Carroll Careers.

Climbing the farming ladder

As new entrants enter the dairy sector, it is important to get the correct advice to navigate decisions and continue to progress. With this in mind one of the clinics will be dedicated to farming-focused advice. The best way farmers learn is from each other and by gaining experience.

Two progressive farmers and business owners Willie Kingston and Páidí Kelly will be on hand to provide guidance to farmers looking for one-to-one advice.

With many industry stands present on the day, the event also provides a networking opportunity to get in front of those working in companies leading the way with innovative technology across the dairy sector.

From 12-1pm, there will be a photographer on-site to take professional headshots. To avail of this service, visit the advice clinics and join the queue. Again, this will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. The headshots will allow attendees to maximise their professional profile through LinkedIn and other platforms.

Benefits of using LinkedIn include career advancement through networking and job searching, brand building for professionals and companies, and professional development through courses and skills features.

For job seekers, it provides tools to find and apply for roles, while companies can use it for recruiting, marketing, and competitive intelligence.

A jobs wall will also allow visitors to see current roles on offer across the industry.

Stands to visit

If you are interested in learning more about the different education pathways and courses in the dairy and agriculture sector, there will be a number of stands and colleges on-site ready to answer your questions. This can give you valuable insights into the courses available and allow you to consider the best one for you. Before you arrive, think about the questions you would like to ask personnel on-site.

Some of the education stands in the village include Munster Technological University (MTU), Dublin City University (DCU), University College Cork (UCC), Gurteen College in Co Tipperary, Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry.

Others include Dawn Meats, Agri General Staff Solutions and Macra Agricultural Skillnet Network.

*No pre-booking is required for any of the stands in the Careers & Education Village.