Inspiring the next generation of Food and Fibre superstars

Inspiring the next generation of Food and Fibre superstars

Last updated 11 October 2022
Last updated 11 October 2022

In another major initiative in the food and fibre sector, the Tertiary Education Commission's careers initiative Inspiring the Future Aotearoa, NZ Young Farmers, GoHort and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have teamed up to help inspire the next generation of food and fibre superstars.

The Inspiring Food and Fibre Futures in Schools programme kicked off in September in Christchurch to show students the range of exciting work in our food and fibre sector. The programme will also run in Auckland in November.

“The events will connect students with sector role models who’ll talk about their jobs, including what excites and inspires them, and why the food and fibre sectors are so vital,” says Cheyne Gillooly, MPI Director Investment Skills & Performance.

“We have a range of amazing role models who’ve volunteered to speak with the students, and we’re really grateful for their time and support of the programme,” Cheyne Gillooly says.

The Inspiring the Future Aotearoa programme is informed by the 2020 Drawing the Future report that shows most young people have a very limited range of career aspirations. More than half of those surveyed see themselves in only nine jobs.

“There’s a huge range of careers available across Aotearoa, and it can often be confusing for our young people to understand their options,” says Tim Fowler, Chief Executive of the Tertiary Education Commission.

“Inspiring Food and Fibre Futures in Schools will help to broaden their horizons, by showing them first-hand some of the amazing career options available in the food and fibre sector and pathways to get there,” Tim Fowler says.