Future Talent Takes Centre Stage at AIC Conference 2026
Attracting and developing the next generation of talent is vital to the future of the agri-supply industry, but many young people are still unaware of the breadth of careers available across the sector.
AIC is aiming to help change that at the AIC Dinner & Conference 2026, taking place in Peterborough on 10 and 11 November, where it will launch its new Agri-Supply Chain Careers Booklet, designed to help young people discover the roles, skills and different routes into the industry.
Tickets are still available, with delegates able to view the programme and book their place.
The new resource forms part of AIC's wider work to support Member businesses in attracting future talent and challenge traditional perceptions of careers connected to agriculture. It will particularly target young people aged 13 to 19, alongside careers advisers, schools and colleges.
Discover an industry you might not expect
Careers across the agri-supply industry extend far beyond traditional perceptions of agriculture.
The new careers resource highlights opportunities across areas including science, technology, logistics, sustainability and business, with roles spanning AIC's sectors of animal feed, combinable crops, crop protection and agronomy, fertiliser and seed, as well as policy.
There is also no single route into the industry. The resource will highlight apprenticeships, T Levels and technical qualifications, college and university routes, as well as people who have moved into the sector through a career change. An agricultural background is not essential.
Real career stories will sit alongside practical information about roles, responsibilities, skills, entry routes and progression, helping young people answer some simple questions:
- What could I actually do?
- How could I get there?
- Could someone like me work in this industry?
See the bigger picture at AIC Conference
For students and those starting out in their careers, the Conference offers an opportunity to go a step further.
Rather than simply reading about individual jobs, delegates can gain a broader understanding of the environment in which those careers exist, hearing discussions about the political, economic, market and workforce issues affecting the agricultural supply chain.
For someone considering their next step, it is an opportunity to see the industry in action, hear from people working within and alongside it, and better understand the challenges they could one day help solve.
It also provides the chance to meet businesses and people from across the sector, exposing younger delegates to careers and organisations they may not previously have considered.
Preparing the next generation for a changing workplace
Bringing new people into the industry is only part of the picture. Businesses also need to consider how different generations work together and how workplaces themselves are changing.
The Conference programme will complement the careers launch with a session from workplace and generational researcher Dr Paul Redmond on intergenerational working.
It is particularly relevant to the careers conversation. AIC's careers work recognises the growing importance of modern and specialist capabilities, with technology and artificial intelligence sitting alongside science, engineering, business, logistics and sustainability in demonstrating the breadth of today's industry.
Together, the careers launch and Conference discussion create an opportunity to consider both sides of the future talent challenge: how the industry attracts the next generation and how businesses create workplaces in which people at different stages of their careers can contribute and develop.
A resource for Members too
The careers initiative has also been developed to give AIC Members something practical they can use in their own recruitment and outreach.
The booklet and supporting Careers Hub can be shared with schools, colleges and careers advisers, used at careers fairs and open days, and incorporated into apprenticeship, graduate and early-careers activity.
AIC's ambition is for this to be more than a one-off publication. The Conference launch will begin a longer-term programme of careers activity, supported by Member networks, education engagement, careers events and new digital content and career stories.
Ultimately, success will not simply be about distributing booklets. It will be about helping more young people understand the role of the agri-supply industry, recognise the breadth of opportunities available and see it as somewhere they could build their own future.
Next Generation and student places
AIC is offering a limited number of Next Generation tickets for £100 + VAT, giving employees in the early stages of their careers the opportunity to attend the Conference at a significantly reduced rate.
To qualify, Next Generation delegates must work for an AIC Member business, be in the early stages of their career and be nominated by their employer. To apply, employers should send the nominee’s name, job title and a brief description of their current role to Debbie Walker at [email protected].
Complimentary student places are also available, providing an opportunity for those considering their future careers to experience the industry first-hand. AIC’s final 2026 ticket schedule lists students under complimentary Conference places.
The AIC Dinner takes place on Tuesday 10 November, followed by the AIC Conference on Wednesday 11 November at the Holiday Inn West, Peterborough.
View the full AIC Conference programme and speakers
Author
Wendy Ford
Wendy Ford is Communications Manager at AIC, creating and overseeing the content published on AIC's website, emails, Member briefings, print publications, and social media.
