High School Students Dive into Agriculture and STEM Careers

High school students from the southwest region of Canada gathered on October 24, 2023, for the second annual Careers in Agriculture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) event in Swift Current. Approximately 60 students from grades 10 to 12 participated, a significant increase from just 20 attendees at the last event held two years prior. This growth highlights a rising interest in agriculture and STEM careers among local youth.

The event was organized through a collaboration involving the Chinook School Division, the Regina Education Industry Education Council, Great Plains College, and the Swift Current Research and Development Centre. It featured a day-long program split between two locations, with activities scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Great Plains College and from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Research and Development Centre.

At the college, students explored various career opportunities in agriculture through interactive booths set up by local businesses such as SWT, Patterson Ag, Ag and Ex, Next Gen Seeds, and Brett Young Seeds. According to Mackenzie Veason, Recruitment Coordinator at Great Plains College, this event aimed to inform students that a farming background is not a prerequisite for entering the agriculture industry.

“Two years ago, we had maybe 20 students, so the word seems to be getting out,” Veason noted, emphasizing the expanding interest in agricultural careers. The college showcased its own programs, with current students running booths to share insights from their agricultural science studies.

The afternoon session transitioned to the Swift Current Research and Development Centre, where students visited various departments including crop science, soil science, and livestock research. They engaged directly with scientists and staff, gaining firsthand knowledge about the research that supports farming practices and promotes sustainable food production.

Through these hands-on discussions and demonstrations, participants were able to comprehend the vast array of career opportunities available in both agriculture and STEM fields. The event was supported financially by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector.

As the event concluded, it became evident that initiatives like this play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce, empowering students to explore and consider meaningful careers in agriculture and technology. The enthusiasm displayed by students at the event suggests a bright future for the industry, driven by a new generation of skilled professionals.