Number of agribusiness students in Southeastern Netherlands grows by 67 percent

Compared to 2015, the number of agribusiness students in the Southeastern Netherlands increased by 67% in 2018. Registrations for the coming school year also bode well. The cooperation between education and industry has made a positive contribution to the quality of education and the influx of workers in the agribusiness sector.

More than doubled

In 2015, the agro-training programs had a total of 459 students. In 2018, that figure increased to 767 students. The number of BBL students (Beroeps Begeleidende Leerweg) has even doubled compared to 2015. Applications for the coming school year have also been scrutinized. Compared to the same period last year, the CITAVERDE College has an increase in applications of 8% and the HAS University of Applied Sciences in Venlo no less than 22.5%.

Innovation in the sector

The Dutch agricultural sector is an example for the rest of the world in many areas. It has the lowest relative environmental impact of all countries in the world and leads the way in challenges around food, water, energy and the environment. Agricultural companies are modernizing at a rapid pace and technological developments and innovations are playing an increasingly important role. Not only in practice, but also in education. In addition, companies within the agricultural sector are an important factor in the current climate and energy transition. These developments and challenges are making young people feel more attracted to this vibrant green sector.

Cooperation between educators and the business community

HAS Venlo and CITAVERDE College are important educators for future top employees of the agribusiness in the region. This is because the sector makes a very important contribution to the national economy. It is therefore of great importance that there are enough and competent employees working within the sector.

''Students see that education has become very attractive thanks to this intensive collaboration with industry,'' says Ton Hermans, director of CITAVERDE College Horst. "It offers the prospect of great interesting jobs and moreover a job guarantee. If you can do that in a sector that contributes to a healthier and more sustainable environment, the choice is easily made!

Frans van Leijden, Director of HAS Venlo, recognizes the words of Hermans: "Contributing to the quality of the world we live in is an important value for Generation Z, the young people of today. We see this directly reflected in the interest in our courses.''

In order to bring as many employees as possible into the labor market, AgroLeeft was founded in 2015. It is a collaboration between green vocational education and business in the region. This collaboration has proven its positive impact on education, image and the sector.

Source: AgroLeeft