STUDENTS from across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire recently received an insight into the many career opportunities in agriculture and horticulture at an industry open day hosted by Pershore College.
The event provided Year 9 pupils from Trinity High, Redditch and Winchcombe School, Cheltenham with a better understanding of how this innovative sector is meeting the challenges of food and plant production with the latest agricultural technologies.
The day, which was organised by WCG Worcestershire in partnership with the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, consisted of industry talks, careers advice and a tour around the college’s extensive facilities to see a number of engaging demonstrations.
These included arboriculture, agri-tech, animal science and the use of drones in orchard management. A delegation from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) was also in attendance.
Professor Roy Kennedy, leader of the agri-tech programme at Pershore College, led students and guests around the dedicated agri-tech laboratories which house the electronic, robotic and computer-based technologies that are used to educate students on the modern applications of agri-tech.
Visitors and students also viewed the live field-based experimentation and demonstration facility that enables the college, local horticultural businesses and students to work together on solving industry challenges through pioneering research trials.
One of the industry speakers was Bal Padda, Commercial Director of Vicarage Nurseries, a family-owned soft fruit grower situated in the Vale of Evesham. The award-winning business is currently working with the college on hydroponic strawberry production. Bal, who brought in fresh strawberries for a taster session, said: “It was pleasure to be invited to the industry day at Pershore College as it is essential to encourage the next generation to look into careers in horticulture and agri-tech.
“UK horticulture offers a wide range of jobs and careers and this is something we wanted to highlight to students on the day. Hopefully they could see – and enjoy – the fruits of our labour, and got a taste of the success we have had over the years. These young people are the future of horticulture and with an ever-increasing world population, they could play an important role in feeding millions.”
Neil Coker, Group Vice Principal, WCG Worcestershire, said: “WCG has worked in partnership with Worcestershire LEP, Agriculture and Horticultural Development Board and local employers to highlight the wide range of career opportunities in food production, processing, manufacturing and retail. Our industry day was a fantastic opportunity for local school pupils to understand more about this innovative sector, hear from experts and get hands-on with some of the technology we have at the college.
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I’m delighted to have seen so many young people showing a keen interest in Worcestershire’s thriving agri-tech and horticultural industries at Pershore College. Agri-tech is one of Worcestershire’s key sectors for economic growth and it’s great that young people are being taught about the many careers available that can support the long-term growth for this thriving sector.”
