Cultivating careers in agriculture: Exploring the life experiences, career motivations, and vocational identity of young Australians

Despite the clear importance of agriculture in Australia, and a diverse range of career opportunities in the sector, knowledge of agriculture and farming processes is declining. This study explores the vocational development experiences of young people within the Australian agricultural industry, highlighting the influences of life experiences, career motivations, and vocational identity on their career decision-making process. Drawing on the developmental-contextual model of career development, the research investigates how individual, social, and contextual factors shape young people's motivations to pursue agricultural careers. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with young people working in the cotton industry, the study emphasises the significant role of early exposure to agriculture, family support, and workplace culture in shaping vocational identity and career aspirations. The findings contribute insights into the dynamic interplay between individual and contextual factors in career development and offer practical implications for stakeholders to nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders.