At the end of September, the Food and Farming Jobs Fair will return, to bring together those looking for work in the ag-sector and farming businesses wanting to engage with their local community.
Organised by Dereham Jobcentre and sponsored by the Department for Work & Pensions, the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and the two poultry businesses Jonah’s Handling Ltd and P.D. Hook (Hatcheries), the event aims to help ag-businesses with recruitment while encouraging Jobcentre claimants to consider a career in agriculture.
Robert Dadd, employer advisor at the Dereham Jobcentre, said: “Over the years, we’ve seen the links between the general public and agriculture erode, and yet farming offers one of the most sustainable career paths in the current climate.”
“It has not been impacted by a changing society in the way that retail, for example, has. However, it can appear to be a difficult industry to get a foothold in, particularly in the post Brexit, post covid economy.”
“For a long time, we’ve heard that Norfolk employers are in the middle of nowhere but then we also hear from claimants that they are in the middle of nowhere,” Mr Dadd explained. “This means that both are somewhere, and potentially close enough to be a solution to the other.”
“We also hope to change perceptions of the agricultural industry – students used to be told that if they didn’t do well at school, they could end up in lower skilled jobs such as farming or factories. However, as there is a broad range of roles available for all skill levels, the sector has moved forward in leaps and bounds when it comes to methodologies and technology.”
The Food and Farming Jobs Fair will take place on Thursday September 29, 2022, at the Norfolk Showground Arena, Norwich. The event is open 10am until 3pm.
For more information, drop an email to: Derehamjobcentre.foodandfarmingfair@dwp.gov.uk.
