The Career Education Council drew in more than 400 students from 12 area schools on March 21 for a Careers in Agriculture event.
Held at the Grand River Raceway in Elora, the event was an interactive conference for high school students, offering an opportunity to learn about career opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.
“The event is to introduce students and teachers to the broad range of great careers using many different types of skills,” said Cheryl Fayle of the Career Education Council of Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin.
Fayle said the growth of employment opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sectors allows for jobs in a variety of areas including marketing, business management, technology, primary production, research, retail and sciences.
“There has been a study done that confirms that there are three jobs available for every graduate in the agriculture industry,” said Fayle.
Those in attendance included high school students from schools within the Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board, as well as those from the Dufferin, Peel, Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo regions.
The day long conference included a presentation by conference chair Lyndon Stewart, chief operating officer for Advancement, Alumni Affairs and Development.
“The agri-food sector has emerged as the single most important economic driver in the province,” said Stewart in a press release.
“This interactive experience will enable students to explore the vibrant and diverse career opportunities within the sector.
“Students and their teachers will leave with a network of key contacts and resources enabling alignment of skills, passion and education toward an exciting and rewarding agri-food sector career.”
Participating in three sessions, students went through a series of speakers and interactive exhibits, including job and training opportunities, demonstrations and networking and interactive agriculture exhibits.
Students learned about apprenticeships and post-graduate studies and had the opportunity to meet prospective employers and ask questions of trades and industry leaders.
“We are shooting a video here today about the experience that will go to schools across the province to show them the kind of experiences learned today,” said Fayle.
The Career Education Council has been providing exciting experiential learning opportunities in the community for 23 years. Through partnerships among business, education, government and community, youths learn about careers, experience the workplace and develop skills.
Last week’s event was made possible with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
