AgriCAREERConnect 2025 at UP:
A Resounding Success in Bridging Talent and Industry
On 12 August 2025, the University of Pretoria’s Sanlam Auditorium and Conference Centre came alive with energy, curiosity, and opportunity as over 450 students gathered for AgriCAREERConnect (ACC) 2025, the flagship career event hosted in partnership with Agrijob and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS).
Since its revival in 2019, ACC has grown into a cornerstone initiative connecting students with the agri-food industry. After a brief pivot to online formats during the pandemic, the event returned to its full in-person format in 2024, and this year’s edition was bigger and more impactful than ever.
Two Sessions, One Purpose
The day was split into two dynamic sessions, with 200-250 students attending the respective sessions, engaging 12 leading companies across the agricultural value chain. Panel discussions featured 14 industry representatives, who shared insights on career paths in input supply, production, agribusiness, logistics, trade, and food innovation. With a heightened focus on interdisciplinary integration, students and postgraduates from NAS, as well as other faculties such as engineering and commerce, participated. Industry participants included the Shoprite group (Freshmark), Rijk Zwaan SA, Koppert SA, Citrus Academy, RussellStone Group, AGT Foods, Tunnel Tomatoes, Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum, Fruit SA, Nile.ag, Simply Garlic, all companies committed to building future talent pipelines.
The event was skilfully led by Rimbilana Shingange, Senior Lecturer and PhD candidate in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Pretoria, whose vibrant moderation kept conversations flowing and participants engaged throughout.
Student Voices and Industry Wisdom
Students actively participated, asking thoughtful questions about industry expectations, skill requirements, and the realities of transitioning from university to the workplace. The panellists responded with honesty and encouragement, offering practical advice and personal reflections.
One of the many resonant voices was Jordan Chaya, final-year student and Skills Development Liaison for CAEBA, who shared her reflections on LinkedIn:
“After yesterday’s AgriCAREERConnect University of Pretoria, I am more certain than ever they are overlooking one of the most dynamic industries of our time… Remaining curious and humble is how we keep growing in the lecture halls as well as in future workplaces.”
Her takeaways—curiosity, communication, critical thinking, and the value of both hard and soft skills—echoed the core messages of the day.
A Growing Legacy of Impact
ACC @ UP is more than just a career fair, it’s a strategic response to the gap between graduate skills and industry needs. By creating direct dialogue between students and employers, the event helps build future talent pipelines and ensures graduates are better prepared for the evolving demands of the agri-food sector.
“The success of ACC 2025 reflects the strength of our partnership with the University of Pretoria and the commitment of Agrijob to shaping future careers in agriculture,” said Majella van der Arend, Operational Manager at Agrijob. “It’s inspiring to see students engage so deeply and companies invest in the next generation of talent.”
Marianne van der Laarse, Managing Director of Agrijob, added: “The real value for students lies in receiving insights directly from companies, straight from the horse’s mouth. At the same time, companies benefit by hearing directly from students: how they think, what concerns them, and what matters most to them. These events also provide companies with valuable opportunities to identify promising talent, engage directly with students, and extend invitations for holiday work, bursary applications, internships, or entry-level positions.”
As an alumna of the University of Pretoria, van der Laarse has maintained strong ties with the institution and began organizing agri-food career events at UP in 2011. In recent years, Agrijob has introduced a more focused format through AgriCAREERConnect, designed to facilitate meaningful engagement between students and industry professionals.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 edition clearly showed how important it is for universities and industry to work together, and how events like ACC can truly inspire students, provide valuable information, and create meaningful connections.
For more information or to get involved in future events, visit www.agrijob.co.za.
Compiled by: Majella van der Arend