Agriculture is a major part of North Carolina’s economy, but the skills needed to succeed in the industry are changing. Preparing the next generation of agricultural workers requires introducing students to career opportunities early, providing hands-on education and training, and creating clear connections from the classroom to the workforce.
The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations explores how K–12 schools, community colleges, universities, and employers are working together to prepare students for careers across agriculture and agribusiness.
In this episode:
- Meredith Wilkes, Director of Career and Technical Education at Greene County Schools, shares how agriculture programs are introducing students to careers through hands-on experiences in animal science, horticulture, agricultural mechanics, and agribusiness. She also discusses how work-based learning, industry credentials, and partnerships help students connect what they learn in high school to their next step in education or employment.
- Justin Pedley, Department Head of Veterinary Medical Technology at Alamance Community College, explains how community colleges build on students’ early exposure to agriculture through hands-on training, employer-informed programs, and opportunities to explore a wide range of careers. He also discusses how transferable skills can help students move among careers in veterinary medicine, animal care, research, agriculture, and related fields.
- Dr. Steve Matthis, Dean of the House of Raeford Farms School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences at the University of Mount Olive, discusses how technology is transforming agriculture and the skills employers need. He shares how precision agriculture, advanced equipment, data analysis, drones, and the new Shady Grove Educational Livestock Facility are helping students combine traditional agricultural knowledge with emerging technologies.
Listeners will learn how hands-on education and stronger connections among K–12 schools, community colleges, universities, and employers can create multiple pathways into agricultural careers while helping North Carolina develop the skilled workforce needed to support the future of agriculture.
Listen now to this episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.