New classroom resources connect agriculture education with career planning, internships and workforce development.
As agriculture continues to face workforce challenges and a growing need for skilled professionals, AgCareers.com is providing educators with new resources designed to help students explore career opportunities in the industry.
The company recently updated its U.S. Classroom Implementation Kit, a free resource created for teachers, educators, advisors and industry leaders. The kit is designed to connect classroom learning with career exploration and help students better understand the wide range of opportunities available across agriculture and food production.
Developed by education specialists from the National FFA Organization, the resource complements the 20th edition of the AgCareers U.S. Food & Agriculture Career Guide. The materials include lesson plans, classroom activities, worksheets and additional resources that educators can incorporate into career education programs.
According to Bonnie Johnson, Marketing and Communications Manager at AgCareers, the goal is to introduce students to agriculture careers before they make important decisions about their future education and employment pathways.
"We need to share the multitude of unique career options in the industry with youth before they finalize their career path in high school," said Johnson.
The classroom materials focus on three key learning objectives:
- helping students identify career-planning tools and resources,
- understanding the value of internships and mentorship opportunities, and
- exploring the diverse range of careers available throughout the agriculture and food sectors.
Lessons are primarily designed for high school students but can be adapted for other educational levels, giving teachers flexibility to incorporate career exploration into existing curriculum and advising programs.
The accompanying Food & Agriculture Career Guide provides practical advice on topics including career fairs, internships, resume preparation, interviews, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and transitioning from education into the workforce. The guide also highlights employers, educational institutions and career pathways within the agriculture and food industries.
For agricultural employers, programs that increase awareness of industry careers may help address ongoing talent shortages by encouraging more students to consider careers in areas such as agronomy, food production, ag technology, communications, sales, research and agribusiness.
Agriculture employers are encouraged to share both resources, U.S. Classroom Implementation Kit and the Food & Agriculture Career Guide with high schools in their region.
Both resources are available free of charge through AgCareers.com, giving educators access to ready-to-use resources aimed at building awareness of career opportunities throughout the agriculture and food sector.
A Canadian version of the kit is also available: Canada Classroom Implementation Kit.
Photo: AgCareers