HAS University of Applied Sciences makes agrofood professionals future-fit with business courses

HAS University of Applied Sciences prepares young people for a career in the agri-food sector with a broad range of courses in agri-food and tech. But even for seasoned professionals, HAS offers opportunities to expand knowledge and skills. Why continuing to learn and develop is so important is explained by Anouk van Rossum, business developer corporate education at HAS University of Applied Sciences.

Well-trained professionals are indispensable for innovation and success in the green sector. Especially in view of the major social challenges in the field of sustainable production, climate and quality of life. HAS offers full-time education for this sector, as well as business courses, courses, (in-company) training and coaching. Anouk explains: "We are constantly looking to link up with developments and current issues in the sector. A good example is the nitrogen problem. In the coming academic year we will launch a broad range of courses. And we are training coaches to help farmers take measures to reduce nitrogen emissions.

Risk analysis

She continues: "Another example is the corona crisis. With the hospitality industry as the only outlet, many agri-food companies have woken up. A crisis situation like this requires entrepreneurs to rethink their risk analysis. We then set to work with such an issue. We investigate whether there are crossovers with other sectors, so that the products and services we develop can be applied broadly. In this case we are working on new offerings in the field of risk management."

Future-Fit

Functions in companies change and employees constantly need new knowledge and skills. "More and more companies are approaching us to set up and design their own company academy. It is precisely because we as HAS are so firmly rooted in the sector that we know what is needed to keep employees fit for the future. This also applies to offering (online) courses or in-company training. After the summer, for example, we will be starting an in-company training course in plant physiology at Dümmen Orange for the third time in a row. Crop specialists from all over the world will come to the Netherlands to brush up their knowledge. Naturally, that makes us proud."

Change

Ability and innovation require lifelong learning. Anouk says: "It applies: do not wait for changes, but change yourself. If participants return to business as usual after a training course, we're not doing something right. We want them to really get to work with the newly acquired insights and experiences. For a overview of corporate training and courses look here.