Career Clusters

Agriculture Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster

Career Clusters Prepare All Students for College, Technical Training, Apprenticeships and Careers

Career Clusters prepare learners of all ages for the information age as schools, colleges, and employers are striving for higher achievement in science, math and communication. One key to improving learner achievement is providing learners with relevant contexts for studying and learning. Career Clusters offer a context by linking school-based learning with the knowledge and skills required for continued success.

The Concept of Career Clusters

Career Clusters identify the knowledge and skills learners need as they follow a pathway toward their career goals. The knowledge and skills identified form a strong basis for learner success in high school, college, technical training, apprenticeship programs and the workplace.

How to Pursue Education and Training in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Corn on the CobGirl with baby calfThere are thousands of challenging educational and training opportunities within the high-skilled world of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Learners need a solid background in math, science, communications and technical skills. Education and training can be obtained in high schools, technical colleges, two-year community colleges, four-year colleges, apprenticeship programs, and career technical schools/ institutes. Along the way, career guidance professionals assist learners in assessing their educational goals, interests, abilities and skills to facilitate a good match to the cluster’s many pathway options. Learners participate in relevant educational opportunities framed in the context of the cluster. They gain knowledge and skills through coordinated workplace learning experiences such as site visits, job shadowing and internships. If they choose, they may achieve valuable skill certifications that lead to employment. Colleges and universities offer advanced degrees and industry certifications that prepare learners for professional and technical careers. Apprenticeship programs prepare learners for journeyworker status.

Career Pathways at a Glance

The Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster is divided into seven pathways. Pathways are grouped by common knowledge and skills required of occupations in these career fields. Each pathway provides instruction as a basis for success in an array of careers and educational pursuits.

Career Pathways Cluster Wheel

The Seven Pathways

  • Food Products and Processing Systems
  • Power, Structural and Technical Systems
  • Plant Systems
  • Natural Resource Systems
  • Animal Systems
  • Environmental Service Systems
  • Agribusiness Systems

What Is the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Cluster?

Greenhouse WorkerThis diverse Career Cluster prepares learners for careers in the planning, implementation, production, management, processing, and/or marketing of agricultural commodities and services, including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products. It also includes related professional, technical and educational services.

Employment Outlook

Employment opportunities will continue to increase for those who provide and market an expanding array of food, forest, and veterinary medical consumer products to a growing world population. Continued globalization of the food, agricultural and natural resources system will increase opportunities for graduates who understand the socioeconomic factors that define international markets. Graduates who know how to satisfy the diverse consumer needs and preferences in different cultures, and who have the language skills to communicate effectively, will have the best opportunities to be employed by the growing number of multi-national businesses.

Food Products and Processing Systems Plant Systems Animal Systems Power Systems Natural Resource Systems Environmental Service Systems Agribusiness Systems

 

Career Pathways

Career Clusters Imagemap Power, Structural and Technical Systems Natural Resource Systems Environmental Service Systems Agribusiness Systems Food Products and Processing Systems Plant Systems Animal Systems Career Cluster Home

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