September 16, 2013
The State Government says a new partnership between two of Queensland’s leading agricultural training providers will deliver opportunities for rural skills training in south-east Queensland.
Queensland’s Agricultural Training Colleges and the University of Queensland’s Gatton Vocational Training Centre have developed vocational courses for joint delivery at the University’s Gatton campus starting in 2014.
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said the partnership would make certificate courses and industry skills training more accessible in the Darling Downs.
“This is a wonderful example of joint initiatives that ensure the right training is available for students wishing to complete agriculture training,” Mr McVeigh said.
“We need to have the best minds and best trained agri-workforce in order to achieve our strategic vision of doubling agricultural production by 2040.”
Gatton Campus Director Janelle Zahmel said the arrangement between UQ and the Agricultural Training Colleges would focus on skills that lead to jobs in agricultural industries and provided pathways into further tertiary study options at UQ Gatton.
“The initial joint courses to be offered next year include a Certificate III in Agriculture or Rural Operations which, on completion, will provide entry towards the new Diploma in Agricultural Technologies,” Ms Zahmel said.
“Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the University’s production facilities at Gatton and undertake studies in animal management, nutrition, pasture management and planning.”
Students who complete the Diploma of Agricultural Technologies will have the option to continue towards a Bachelor of Applied Science at UQ.
For more information about the new courses phone 1800-888-710 or visit the UQ website
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