Tapping into the Talent Pipeline North Carolina School Update

By Dr. R. Jason Davis, Assistant Dean, University of Mount Olive

My career has taken place largely at the intersection of youth programs, agriculture and the green industry, as well as in education at the secondary and postsecondary levels in the community college and university systems. Through my many dealings with people in those arenas, one question I hear repeatedly concerns where the next generation of leaders, thinkers, innovators and employees will come from. Great leaders, thinkers and innovators place so much emphasis on building a business, program or system, they often overlook the broader goal of growing our most important resource: our people.

In a 2020 report (Fernandez et al., 2020), the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicted that job opportunities for college graduates in food, agriculture, renewable resources and environment-related fields would increase by almost 3% between 2020 and 2025. The strong demand for graduates in the agriculture sector implies increased competition to attract job candidates — especially those specializing in engineering, science and specialized practices commonly required in the green industry.

At the secondary level, opportunities to excite and recruit students into the green industry vary, including horticultural competitions provided by the National FFA Organization and the North Carolina High School Landscaping Competition. These types of competitions serve as examples of how collaborations among community colleges, universities and private industry can and do work, continuing to grow each year by providing practical, hands-on applications and scenarios in the landscape industry and empowering young people to consider career opportunities. Work is also underway to provide a credential to high school students who complete courses in the horticulture pathway and pass a credential examination. The certification will help prepare students for the Certified Plant Professional (CPP) certification exam and encourage them to continue their growth and experience in the field.

Postsecondary students, on the other hand, must receive not only the science, theory and knowledge required, but also applied experience. Typically this experience comes through handson learning in labs, trips to commercial operations/businesses, internships and participation in leadership organizations. As part of their course of study at the University of Mount Olive, students are required to complete a 15week internship related to their degree program, during which they learn from supervision — both on the job and through the university — and strive to meet growth objectives declared by them and their employer. Students are also encouraged to attend and participate in professional development opportunities like the annual Green & Growin’ show to learn from experts on the latest trends and issues facing the green industry. Students are also prepared for careers by having opportunities to apply for certifications such as the North Carolina Pesticide Core, CPP and others. What can you do to tap into this talent pipeline?

• Become involved in the NCNLA and the Green & Growin’ event, which is a great opportunity to network with young individuals with similar interests and backgrounds.

• Offer an internship to a student. Interns who perform well and form relationships with employers are often hired by those companies after graduation.

• Provide students with opportunities to visit your operation or business.

• Create relationships with local community colleges and universities.

• Engage with the North Carolina High School Landscaping Competition and FFA competitions. Opportunities come to everyone, but they seldom return, so be sure to take advantage of opportunities to connect with younger individuals interested in the green industry.

Fernandez, J. M., Goecker, A. D., Smith, E., Moran, E. R., & Wilson, C. A. (2020). Employment Opportunities for College

Graduates in Food, Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources and the Environment United States, 2020-2025. https://www. purdue.edu/usda/employment/