Rachel Williams - West Sussex Growers Association

This morning we welcomed Rachel Williams, a food scientist from West Sussex Growers Association. She spoke to our students about her own journey into the industry, and the wide range of opportunities on our doorstep, dispelling the myth that it is only about plants!

The food-growing and horticulture industry employs over 10,000 people in the Chichester area and there are multiple roles available. As well as the growers and pickers, they also employ engineers, food scientists, IT specialists, Data analysts, HR and Finance specialists and agronomists (scientists who manage soil and crop production). There is a place for everyone within this industry, from those interested in robotics to environmental concerns to business management and logistics.

The main 3 firms local to the school who are part of the WSGA are Barfoots, Fargro and Vitacress. They are keen to offer opportunities to our students in the form of work experience, summer work and apprenticeships.