Training: New course in rural operations
A NEW rural training course has provided a winning treble for students, employers and the Gatton campus of the University of Queensland.
Rural systems management senior researcher Mark Pace identified a need for more rural education pathways to attract young qualified workers into rural industries that were struggling to find employees.
And when Lowood high school teacher Joel Cryer approached the university asking for help to find a course for students who wanted to study agriculture which the school could not offer, both men saw the opportunity to join forces.
The result is a new Certificate in Rural Operations which allows students to attend university for one day a week to learn plant production and animal care as well as mechanical skills and maintenance.
The first intake of 16 Year 11 and 12 students began classes this week.
For Year 11 Lowood State High School student Jaymie Morris, 15, the course has opened the way for her to find her dream career.
Jaymie has been riding horses since she was two, and is determined to work as a jillaroo after she leaves school and to eventually run a beef property.
She already competes in reining and campdrafting competitions and is keen to learn more about animal care during the rural operations course.
Year 12 student Christie Griffin is also a horse enthusiast and wants to work at a stable or a horse stud.
Christie said the course had encouraged her to stay at school and complete her senior certificate because it would give her the opportunity to also gain work skills.
Graduates of the course, for which places are available, would help to address a shortage of rural workers and attract students into diploma and degree courses.
"At a time when rural industries need workers for increasingly hi-tech jobs, negative publicity about rural industries being affected by drought, low commodity prices and competition from cheap imports has reduced student numbers,'' Mr Pace said.
"Tractors are using satellite navigation, irrigation systems are computer-controlled and there is a need for people to develop and service complex machinery.''
By Amanda Gearing, The Courier Mail, February 8 2006.
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