Euroa Secondary College Year 11 student Jess Hyland testing her skills in the pit-stop crew.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Goulburn Valley students have spent a day learning about future careers in agriculture.
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Students had the opportunity to learn about potential careers and pathways in agriculture and horticulture at GOTAFE’s William Orr campus in Shepparton on June 25.
The ‘taster day’, run by Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network (GMLLEN), GOTAFE and local businesses, was based off an ‘Amazing Race’ model.
The students travelled around the campus completing industry-based activities and were scored on speed and accuracy.
Students engaged in speed paving, electric fencing, changing tyres, harvesting ‘tomato’ balloons, tree planting and drafting sheep.
Noah Adams (left) and Jai Bailey, from Greater Shepparton Secondary College, draft sheep at the agriculture careers day.
The taster day, dubbed ‘Find Your Passion’, provided local students with the opportunity to explore what it is like to work with their hands, and to determine if they enjoy working in agriculture.
But that wasn’t the only purpose of the day out. Martina Rienzner, project manager for the future of agriculture project, believes these industries are often overlooked in the scheme of career opportunities.
Ms Rienzner said many businesses rely so heavily on contract labour that the connection between working locally and understanding job opportunities available in local agriculture has been lost.
She said TAFE offers a number of courses teaching skills which have practical applications on farms.
ACE Secondary College Year 9 students Tom McIntosh and Kobi Presnell, Shepparton Christian College Year 9 student Tayla Jackson and Euroa Secondary College Year 11 student Jess Hyland.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
To provide information on careers in agriculture, students attended talks with industry representatives about job opportunities in agriculture and horticulture, and the future pathways these jobs could lead to.
Students who come away from the day with a newfound interest in possible agricultural careers can develop the necessary skills through GOTAFE.
GOTAFE offers qualifications in agriculture and dairy production for students who want to develop a career in agriculture.
It also offers short courses in farm chemicals, farm fencing, machinery and more for those who either wish to try out agriculture, or to upskill and advance their careers.
Year 9 GSSC student Sophie McRae levelling bricks.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Students attending the taster day came from ACE Secondary College, Notre Dame College, Greater Shepparton Secondary College, Shepparton Christian College and Euroa Secondary College and left the event with a certificate of completion.
Following the event, GMLLEN has offered to support students looking to pursue a career in agriculture by conducting group work experience over four days in term three.
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