The 1st In-Person Conference of the National Union of Swine Classrooms brought together more than 200 university students and young professionals from across Spain at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Zaragoza who are interested in developing their professional future in the pig sector.
The event, promoted by INTERPORC under the slogan “We are the future of the pig sector”, served to build bridges between universities and companies and to show new generations the different career opportunities offered by the sector.
The conference included presentations, round tables and technical workshops on career opportunities, communication and current developments in the pig sector. The programme also included an international connection with the Circle for Studies and Research on Swine Medicine in Peru.
Participants were able to learn about the experiences of young people with different professional careers and establish their first direct contact with companies in the sector.
INTERPORC’s general director, Alberto Herranz, stressed that “generational renewal is one of the major challenges facing the pig sector and, in order to address it, it is essential for young people to be able to get to know the sector first-hand, receive training and discover the professional opportunities it offers”.
For his part, Miguel Ángel Higuera, director of ANPROGAPOR, pointed out that the initiative makes it possible to “build bridges between universities and the labour market” and facilitate the start of the professional lives of recent graduates.
More practical training and contact with companies
A survey conducted by the National Union of Swine Classrooms among 370 students reveals that 78.8% are calling for more farm visits, technical talks and real contact with companies. The study also indicates that interest in pig farming triples throughout university studies when there is practical training and direct contact with the reality of the sector.
The National Union of Swine Classrooms is a project created by and for Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Engineering students interested in the pig sector. Its objective is to connect swine classrooms at different Spanish universities, share experiences, strengthen training and bring the academic environment closer to professional reality.
An initiative that contributes to one of the main future challenges facing the livestock and meat chain: attracting young talent, facilitating generational renewal and strengthening the connection between training, companies and the sector.
