Encouraging the next generation into land-based industries

Abstract

Members of the Y-Generation (born between approximately 1978 and 1994) have expectations of careers, rewards and ‘work-life balance’ that are very different from those of previous generations. This paper discusses these differences, how the land-based industries can position in order to offer ’the career path of choice’, and how doing so will be of benefit not only to employers but also to New Zealand.

KEY WORDS:

• Baby boomer
• coaching
• employment
• Generation-X
• Generation-Y
• leadership
• management
• professional development

Notes

Editor's note

This article was invited to provide an expert perspective and commentary on a key social issue facing the veterinary profession and land-based industries in New Zealand. As such, it differs in style and format from the usual scientific review article, and the majority of references are from non-peer-reviewed sources. Professor Rowarth is the current Director of Massey Agriculture at Massey University and a member of the Primary Resources Advisory Committee of the Royal Society of New Zealand, and has a keen research interest in this field.

As recruiting, training and retaining skilled human resources are vital components of sustainable systems for animal production, welfare and biosecurity, this article makes an important contribution to this Feature Series providing “Perspectives on sustainability of pastoral farming in New Zealand”.

¹ WG Guilford, Head of Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

² RG Gibson, Chairman New Zealand Veterinary Council, Wellington, New Zealand

³ L Levy, Leadership Institute, Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand