You Can’t Train Them to Care: Perceptions of Florida’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Group on Necessary Skills for High School Graduates to Gain Entry-Level Employment
Keywords:
Agricultural Industry Trends, Florida Agriculture, High School Agricultural Education, Employability, Focus GroupsAbstract
There has been an overall shortage of skilled workers in today's workforce. Employers expect graduates to possess skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, analyzing, using logic, making informed judgments and conclusions, and maintaining strong leadership qualities, such as written and oral communication and attention to detail. Board members of the Florida Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Group participated in a focus group. They shared their perceptions of the skills necessary for high school graduates to gain entry-level employment. As representatives of the agricultural industry, the YF&R population provides insight into challenges associated with hiring graduates into the workforce. We concluded a general frustration about finding and keeping committed employees was present. Agricultural producers also noted that job applicants lacked the necessary skills for employment in industry operations. Findings suggested that school-based agricultural education programs focus on teaching and practicing essential skills, such as critical thinking, communication, time management and prioritization, willingness to learn, and building confidence. The study informs outcomes of secondary agricultural education programs to meet industry needs and boost student success.
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