These are the careers Gen Zers want to pursue

By Steve Richmond via SWNS

Gen Z adults’ career aspirations include analytical jobs, ones that tackle climate change and others that include scientific testing - yet they have no idea about jobs in farming.

Research into 500 young people in the UK, aged 18 to 24, revealed a third don’t have a clue about agricultural roles, despite them ticking a number of boxes.

When asked about the role dairy farmers play in tackling the climate crisis, 45 percent weren’t aware they’re working day in, day out towards lowering climate emissions.

While 67 percent didn’t know they spend most of their time using technology to gather and analyze data, working to improve the sustainability of their farms, and taking a data-led approach to the work they do.

The research was commissioned by Arla, which is looking to attract the next generation of farmers to help deliver future changes and wants to engage the Government in its mission to raise awareness of new initiatives, such as its "Climate Check" program.

Paul Savage, director of UK agriculture at the dairy brand, said: “Sustainability is about ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future and that is why we need our younger generation to step up and consider a future in dairy to help drive the changes we’ve already identified.

“There is clearly a knowledge gap within Gen Z Brits, and it’s our job, alongside the Government, to ensure there are enough future farmers in place to help drive the changes that will help the industry meet its climate commitments.”

It also emerged two-thirds of young adults think it’s important farmers use renewable energy technologies.

Yet, nearly half of those were unaware solar panels and wind turbines can already be found on many farms and often have the capacity to generate enough energy to power homes in the local area.

Paul Savage, from Arla, added: “In October last year, we launched a Sustainability Incentive Model, a new way of rewarding farmers for their actions to reduce emissions through the milk price.

“And we’re already collecting data for our 2023 Climate Checks report – with the results to be published in Autumn 2023.

“We’re calling on the Government to join with the industry in encouraging more young Brits to consider a role in agriculture, and to help them gain the skills they need.”