By David Forbes

We are continuing to run a range of agriculture and horticulture programs in Victoria aimed at inspiring young people to imagine a future for themselves in agriculture.

We inspire them by introducing them to people who are positive and innovative in their approach to the industry, by challenging their thinking, demonstrating the possibilities and opportunities and through hands-on participation.

In March we conducted two ‘Taster’ days for students.

The first, was an agriculture/horticulture taster day for Year 9 students from Rushworth P-12 College. 

Students saw first-hand Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Tatura, Mitchelton Winery and Swettenham Stud (both in Nagambie). 

Students had lunch beside the new Black Caviar statue  at Nagambie (shown right).

They were given a broad range of career choices and spoke with employees about how they got into the industry and their own career pathways.

The other event was an Equine Careers Day for students attending the Bendigo Trade Training Centre.

The students went to Wingrove Park Stud (Kerrie), Bendigo Harness Racing Training Centre and then to the Bendigo Races. 

At each of these destinations, students were exposed to careers in horse breeding, harness racing and thoroughbred racing. 

Many of the students owned their own horse but didn’t realise the numerous careers available in the horse industry.  

See range of jobs and qualifications in the new Rural Career Guide.

Once again, students experienced a broad range of career options and spoke with a number of employees.

The Dookie Agriculture and Horticulture Careers Day event, mentioned in the previous RSA newsletter, is now being conducted over two days on 8-9 May.

The Gippsland Discover Ag camp is being conducted from 19-23 May. Positions are filling and students are coming from Victoria and Tasmania.

More information

There are still places left, so if you have students who are interested, please email me at dforbes@ruralskills.com.au and I will provide more information, or call 03 9376 8037 or 0427 665 946.