Podcast: Testing times for ‘agri’ students

The beef and lamb processor ABP would normally be meeting and greeting farm families at the agricultural shows.
Dr Andrew Bell  and Lorcan ConveryDr Andrew Bell  and Lorcan Convery
Dr Andrew Bell and Lorcan Convery

So to help stay connected during these challenging times, ABP invited the broadcaster and farmer Karen Patterson to host a special summer podcast for the farming community.

Karen Patterson said: “With examination results around the corner, Episode 2 explores what the pandemic means for students who are considering studying or working in agri-food.

“It’s a worrying time for students leaving school and college just now, trying to prepare for a future career. Exams were cancelled because of Covid 19 and many courses have gone online.

Sarah Jane HoustonSarah Jane Houston
Sarah Jane Houston

“Indeed experts are predicting that young people are likely to bear the brunt of the economic fallout of the pandemic with a shortage of jobs and apprenticeships drying up as companies count the cost.

“So, for Episode 2 of this unique podcast, ‘Now We’re Talking Farming’, ABP asked me to explore career options in agri-food for school and college leavers. Happily, we found numerous opportunities across a range of roles.

“CAFRE’s Education Adviser, Liz Simpson said the pandemic has prompted a surge of interest from employers and students planning a career in the agri food industry. ‘My inbox has never stopped pinging in this whole four months of lockdown with the agri-food industry looking for students for placement opportunities, looking for graduates to come and work for them ASAP.’

“Liz said Covid 19 had shone a spotlight on the essential work of the agri-food sector, raising awareness of the importance of the food supply chain.

CAFRE’s Education Adviser, Liz SimpsonCAFRE’s Education Adviser, Liz Simpson
CAFRE’s Education Adviser, Liz Simpson

‘I think the pandemic has given school leavers the confidence boost to consider it as a real, viable option.’

“During the podcast Liz explains the diverse range of options and courses available. She has tips for the application process and expectations of how courses will be delivered in September.

“I asked her if it was fair to suggest there have been misconceptions, even prejudice against jobs in the sector? Yes, she agreed but, ‘those myths are finally being laid to rest.’

“Times, it seems, have certainly changed. What if I told you that a Belfast inner city school had beef cattle grazing on its lawns as part of an education project?

“Well that’s exactly what’s been happening at Belfast Royal Academy under the supervision of Biology teacher Dr Andrew Bell. He is a part-time farmer who entered some of his students in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge competition so they could experience working-life in the agri food sector.

‘If you make it to the final of the competition, you go to the Balmoral Show and you’re presented with five calves. I guess it’s a bit like being a father or a mother for the first time, it’s your responsibility to rear the five calves for the next 18 to 20 months.

‘The students learn a lot about animal husbandry, nutrition and health matters which in terms of production must be really efficient.’

“His pupil, Lorcan Convery, along with Kelly Stewart, from Rainey Endowed, were joint-winners of the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award in the 2018-2020 competition. What was all the more remarkable about Lorcan perhaps was that he didn’t come from a farming background. He really enjoyed the Challenge and says it will influence his future.

‘I had never thought of finance before the ABP Angus Youth Challenge, I always loved maths but I never thought that I’d want to do it. But even just visiting the banks and getting to see all these figures I was really interested in it so yes it is definitely a potential future option for me.’

“As you’ll hear in the podcast, entries for the Angus Youth Challenge open again soon. It certainly seems to have captured the minds of the students who have taken part and created options that might not otherwise have been considered. Spread the word.

“Some people though are blessed with knowing what they want their career to look like from an early age. Sarah Jane Houston grew up on a farm near Kilkeel and said her future was always destined to be in the agri food industry.

“After GCSEs she won a valuable ABP bursary as a student at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus and used the skills she gained through the opportunity to bag a full time post with the company. Find out more about the job she landed when you listen to the podcast by downloading www.abpfoodgroup.com.

“So good luck to all the families who are waiting on hearing about their results or college places soon. These are uncertain times but the agri-food industry is ready to welcome you.”

To watch/listen to all episodes visit www.abpfoodgroup.com

The podcast can also be downloaded at the Spotify, iTunes or Google apps – just search for ‘ABP Now We’re Talking Farming’.

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