Students from Lockyer Valley will get a head start on their University education this week at The University of Queensland (UQ) Gatton Campus.
The sixteen Year 11 and 12 students from Lockyer District High, Laidley High, Lowood High and Rosewood High, will start their studies with the University’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in Certificate II in Rural Operations, attending an induction and familiarisation session at the campus on Wednesday, February 1.
The students will be joined by 50 of their classmates, who while not enrolled in the program at the moment, are curious to see the campus and what is on offer.
According to Program Coordinator Mark Pace, starting with a Certificate level course is a great way to explore a future career in the agricultural industry.
“The course provides a good grounding in the basics of the agricultural industry, covering important aspects such as workplace health and safety, basic property maintenance and basic agronomy, horticulture and animal handling,” Mr Pace said.
“For the students involved, it’s a great way to experience the industry, test driving a career from the entry level.”
The programs at the University’s Gatton Campus are unique, offering qualifications at Certificate and Diploma level in addition to the traditional University level degrees and postgraduate study options.
According to Director of Studies, Dr Colin Birch, the Qld Certificate in Agriculture (QCA) program continues to be popular with students for a variety of reasons.
“Students without the prerequisite subjects or level of education to gain entry into the Diploma or Degree programs can use the Certificate program as a stepping stone,” Dr Birch said.
“Other students are solely interested in completing a course more practically based and moving into the employment market after just 12 months of study.”
The Lockyer Valley students will be completing part of their course on local farms, expanding on the theory taught at the Gatton Campus by honing their skills on commercial properties.
“People who are interested in completing tertiary study in agriculture but are unsure whether they meet the entry requirements for degrees or diplomas should consider the Queensland Certificate in Agriculture,” Dr Birch said.
“The QCA also incorporates a Vocational Education Certificate in Agriculture and can be completed either full time over 12 months or part time. The QCA provides credit to further studies at the University or through the vocational system."
Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (5460 1229, 0409 265 587).
Further information/comment: Contact Mark Pace, Program Coordinator (5460 1356)
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