The “Professional Taster” career orientation program weeks were a great success

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According to experience, experience-based, playful knowledge acquisition appeals more effectively to children who want to learn about agricultural professions. This was also the case during the “Vocational Taster” career orientation program weeks organized with the support of NAK for the fifth year, where the vocational training institutions offered high-quality presentations and programs to the primary school students, who in groups of 20 “tasted” the agricultural professions offered by the given school. The program weeks took place between June 19 and August 18, covering the entire country, on a walk-in basis. The programs were implemented in a practical environment, in a total of 19 agricultural vocational training institutions, with the involvement of 56 successful entrepreneurs and businesses working in agriculture. Factory visits were also held, where the students could learn about the expectations and working conditions of the given professions.

Everything could be tried

The students could try out the work processes related to crop cultivation and animal husbandry (for example, in the context of raising calves from birth to the first milking, determining the moisture content of seeds, soil preparation, mulching, precision farming steps), they could gain insight into the intricacies of food production (primary examination of milk, installation of a cheese plant, production of brackish water and jam making, basic confectionery courses, gingerbread making and decorating, etc.). They were able to learn about the mysteries of agricultural machinery (mechanical parts, machine operation, test driving, spraying drone demonstration), as well as acquire knowledge of forestry and wildlife management (taking care of game park animals, getting to know the tree species, game tracks, and birds found in the forest). In addition to playful professional knowledge and practical demonstrations, the students could compare their knowledge gained during the day in competitions and synthesizing quiz games. At the end of the program week, the parents were also invited, to whom NAK’s county vocational training representatives presented the further education opportunities of agriculture, as well as the student allowances available in vocational training.

Those interested could get to know several professions

The professions presented during the program weeks are: Forestry Technician, Forestry and Timber Harvester, Gardener, Horticultural Technician (Ornamental Plant Grower, Florist, Park Builder and Maintenance professional courses), Farmer (Animal Breeder, Plant Grower, Equestrian professional courses), Agricultural Mechanic, Agricultural Technician (Animal Breeder, Plant Grower professional courses), Small-scale food producer producer, baker-confectioner, fermentation and soft drink industry technician. Based on the feedback, 95% of the students were happy to participate in the program week, which helps them in their future career choices. In general, 70% of the children said that the profession they learned about during the “Profession Taster” week will be included in their further education plans.

NAK