careers

Despite the challenges of the past year, or maybe because of them, there has been a notable surge in demand for trainees to work in the food sector.

With farming often viewed as a career for life, the need to upskill employees to increase motivation or improve staff retention has become a widely accepted concept. Hannah Binns reports.

Agri-businesses are becoming more inclusive in terms of gender and racial diversity, but while awareness of equality in the sector is growing there is still more to be done, a new survey has found.

Employing students is not just of benefit to the student, securing valuable experience to launch a career after graduation. Clemmie Gleeson speaks to an estate manager and farm owner who believe students bring welcome gains to their enterprises, and to the students who benefited from their commitment.

By the time you read this, we should all be emerging out of lockdown 2.0. Like all sequels, it was delayed in its release, had budget concerns and was not well received by the populace. Still, let’s be honest, it wasn’t as bad as Rocky V, was it?

Fresh produce growers across the UK are looking to apprentices to fill the recruitment gap caused by the pandemic.

Apprenticeships at the UK’s largest machinery ring are under threat due to a lack of farmers coming forward as mentors.

Helping to motivate, inspire and guide staff to achieve their best can help a farm business thrive. In the first of a two-part feature, Clemmie Gleeson speaks to two farmers who, although from different sectors and backgrounds, let their staff know what they do matters and is appreciated.

Agriculture is one of the least diverse professions in the UK, but a growing movement is attempting to address it – and it all starts with education. Olivia Midgley and Hannah Binns report.

As well as helping to feed the nation, members of farming families have also been caring for the sick throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Hannah Binns speaks to some of those juggling two vital roles.