Page 16 - Pathways to Your Future

Higher Education
Level 2:
You could cover the skills needed such as
Animal Care, Land Management, Fishing &
Farming, Forestry, Landscaping
Level 3 and above:
Conservation, Veterinary Nurses, Pest
Control, Development Chef
Bachelor's Degree:
Environmental Professors, Veterinarians,
Food Scientists, Environmental Health,
Nutritionists
No matter where your interests lie, there are careers across agriculture,
food production, product development, environmental, logistics, sales,
marketing, finance and more, and they all require different skill levels.
In essence, the growing population needs to eat and drink, so there will
always be a global demand that requires Wales to keep improving
processes & technology to meet that demand. That means more
engineers, scientists and mathematicians too.
Or perhaps you simply love the idea of working outdoors in the beautiful
landscapes that the region has to offer producing fantastic world leading
produce, managing landscapes and woodland or being out at sea, there
is also a role for you.
In our Region, this sector employs over 20,000 people and this number is
growing, so the opportunities are vast. In addition, around 40% of
farmers and 20% of the rest of the workforce are due to retire within 10
years, so career opportunities will be far reaching into the future.
More Manufacturing and Engineering skills are urgently needed to ensure
sustainable food production into the future
How do we know this?
Which subjects should I try to excel in?
Success in the below subjects will stand you
in good stead for a career in this sector
Climate:
Agriculture is currently one of the highest
greenhouse gas emission sectors in Wales which is
driving many ethical consumers to move to more
plant-based diets (which has a much smaller
impact on the climate). Diets are changing,
consumer demand is changing and with emissions
reduction targets being placed onto food production
processes, more innovative and automated
technologies will be needed, which will drive
demand for engineers, scientists, mathematicians
and of course environmental, sustainability and
ecological experts.
Food Security:
Most of the food produced in Wales is currently
exported, and most of what we consume is
imported. This poses a risk for future food security.
Wales has a strong reputation for quality livestock,
however, very few crops are grown here, creating
huge opportunities to diversify, such as: local food
networks, vertical / indoor farming, horticulture,
energy & emissions capture/storage/usage.
English / Welsh
Maths
Sciences
Summary of what's coming for the industry:
✓ Appropriating a proportion of farm-land to habitat
and woodland planting / management / conservation
✓ Net Zero emissions targets
✓ Sustainable Land Management (SLM) requirements
✓ Machinery and power transitions – switch from diesel
to Hydrogen / Methane etc
✓ Land use change
✓ Energy Projects
✓ Carbon Capture
✓ Diversification of produce
✓ Horticulture diversification (cultural shift away from
animal products)
✓ Local food system networks for food security
✓ Digital and Technology advances
The food and drink industry is made up of a
broad range of careers, which all require
different skills and interests. It is set to grow
quickly as global demand for our home-grown
products increases
✓ Opportunities for all levels of qualifications
and apprenticeship opportunities
✓ Rewarding careers with rapid career
progression
✓ Working in a fast-paced environment which
is constantly growing to keep up with
consumer demands
Summary
All will require
new skills and
new
competencies
to achieve!
Geography
Apprenticeships
available in this
sector
Food Production & Land Management
What’s it all about?