AT Kerang Technical High School, learning about paddock to plate is already compulsory for some students.
The schools runs a compulsory unit in Year 8, and elective in Year 9, before students can choose to complete a VET agriculture Certification II.
VET agriculture teacher Krystal Grills said their program covers everything from livestock production, to sustainable agriculture systems, to machinery driving and chemical handling.
“I like getting the kids passionate about what we do and where our food comes from,” Ms Grills said.
With one of her past students graduating from university as an agronomist last week, Ms Grills has seen firsthand how agriculture programs can lead to careers in the primary industries sector.
“It’s getting past that mindset that agriculture and farming is not just about tractors and cows, it involves a whole range of things,” Ms Grills said.
“There is a plethora of jobs and an industry screaming for workers.”
The success is being mirrored by the Victorian Government, announcing the Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund (SSAF) last week with the aim to help students embark on a career in the primary industries sector.
The $5.5 million fund will support students to transition into agricultural careers, raising awareness of the opportunities that are available in the agriculture sector and uplifting agricultural teaching capability in order to offer more opportunities within schools for students to develop the skills they need.
Minister for education James Merlino believes this funding will help make the future of Victoria’s agriculture sector a bright one.
“We’re proud to be supporting more Victorian students to get involved in the modern, growing industry while they are still at school,” Mr Merlino said.
“This program is all about making sure our students have real-world opportunities to make the most of existing and emerging agriculture and horticulture career pathways.”
Applications for the SSAF fund are now open, and will close June 24.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/secondary-schools-agriculture-fund.
