ABP inspire the next generation into the agri-food sector

Integrated agri-business ABP are taking action to address the current skills gap facing the Northern Ireland food and drink manufacturing and processing sector.

With almost 75% of school pupils unaware that the agri-food sector is Northern Ireland’s biggest employer, and 77% unaware of the opportunities available in the sector, ABP are inspiring post-primary pupils to consider a career in the sector through their annual ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

15 pupils from four schools, Aughnalcoy College; Fivemiletown College; the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI) and Wallace High School, Lisburn have reached the final stage of a ABP’s province-wide farm-to-fork skills development competition. The four teams, who range from 14-16 years of age, will go on to receive five Aberdeen Angus cross calves each at the Balmoral Show this month as part of challenge. As well as having to rear their calves through to beef, they will profit from their sale to ABP whilst also taking part in an 18-month skills development programme. In addition, the finalists have been given special assignments to research solutions and innovative concepts in support of the local beef supply chain.

ANNOUNCING THE 2019 ABP ANGUS YOUTH CHALLENGE FINALISTS from ABP ANGUS YOUTH CHALLENGE on Vimeo.

ABP employs 10,000 people across 35 sites including two in Northern Ireland at Newry and Lurgan. It is a platinum sponsor of the Balmoral Show and will be presenting the calves to the pupils at the Show in front of the visiting public on Friday 17 May.  One overall winning team will win £1,000 for their school at the end of the final stage.

For more information on the ABP Angus Youth Challenge visit www.abpangusyouthchallenge.com