In just two weeks’ time, the UNE Armidale campus will be buzzing with life as thousands of the region’s budding agriculturalists flock to the 2022 Farming Futures Expo.
After a two-year hiatus, the student-run careers extravaganza will shine a spotlight on the plethora of opportunities available within the rural sector through a careers fair, schools’ program and industry dinner.
Bachelor of Agriculture student, Chelsea Reeve, is the Chair of the 14-person student committee, and says it’s gearing up to be the largest Farming Futures Expo since its establishment eleven years ago.
“Our events are all about networking and bringing together the future generations of agriculture with those who already have their boots in the industry,” she says.
“We are excited to welcome back a number of companies, both new and returning, to this years’ careers fair, with over 50 booths from a wide range of diverse agricultural businesses.”
The schools’ program will be held at the UNE Kirby SMART Farm on Thursday 21 July, and will show the region’s secondary students that there is more to life in agriculture than working on a farm.
“Along with a range of student and industry speakers, we’ll be showcasing degrees and pathways on offer in the fields of agriculture, agribusiness and rural science, which we hope will open students’ eyes to the varied prospects that may arise from different forms of further study,” says Chelsea.
“The careers in agriculture are endless, and our schools’ program is dedicated to offering young teens some knowledge around this.”
Meanwhile, a large-scale careers fair will be held on campus at SportUNE’s Campbell Hall, which will be a chance for high schoolers and university students to connect with key people in the industry.
By creating these networking opportunities between our students and major players in the industry, we will hopefully be helping to open more doors to employment, internships and work experience for those who are eager to get into the workforce.
To wrap up the day, UNE students, employers, sponsors and academics will be invited to an industry dinner which will provide a chance to open up the career conversation in an informal setting. During the evening, there will also be an auction to raise money for BlazeAid, followed by a live performance by local musician, Charlie Fittler.
“By creating these networking opportunities between our students and major players in the industry, we will hopefully be helping to open more doors to employment, internships and work experience for those who are eager to get into the workforce,” says Chelsea.
With thousands expected to attend, organising the expo has been no easy feat. From choosing a date, to finalising locations, sponsorships, menus, guest speakers, buses, and entertainment, Chelsea says it’s been a learning curve that will set her up for a seamless transition into the workforce.
“Farming Futures provides the opportunity for us all to share our passion for agriculture with others in the general community,” she says.
“It provides invaluable personal development skills such as organisation, communication and working in a team environment in a way that our university degrees do not. These are the skills we can carry on into the workplace after our university journey and provides the ability to participate within other various boards and committees in agriculture in the future.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Industry Dinner and can be purchased here.
DETAILS
WHEN: 21 July, 2022.
Careers Expo: 9.00am – 2.00pm at Campbell Hall, SportUNE
Schools’ Program: 9:30am – 4.00pm at UNE Kirby SMART Farm
Industry Dinner: 5:30pm at Armidale Servies, 137 Dumaresq Street. Purchase tickets here
