There are now more reasons for high school students to make agriculture their top career choice with 10 University of Queensland Merit Scholarships worth $6000 each up for grabs.
UQ is reserving 10 Merit Scholarships to be offered to high-achieving students listing the Bachelor of Agricultural Science or Bachelor of Agribusiness as their first preference on their Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) application.
Associate Dean, Academic, Associate Professor Glen Coleman from the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science said that the agricultural industry was seeking graduates from these programs.
“Students in their final year of these two degrees have often secured jobs prior to graduating," he said.
"They are excellent programs that produce high quality graduates due in part to the large amount of industry engagement student’s experience.
“Agriculture is a high priority for UQ, which is clear from the large investments made on the Gatton campus and the recent development of the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) a jointly funded initiative with Agri-Science Queensland.
“By supporting students who are passionate about agriculture we are investing in the future of the industry.”
Charlie Martin, who manages the Gateway Schools Agribusiness program, an initiative of the Department of Education and Training to encourage more high school students into a career in agriculture, believes that these scholarships are an excellent incentive for students to work in this vibrant industry.
“This initiative, along with the work that Gateway Schools is doing to encourage young people into agriculture, is a positive step in promoting the range of opportunities available in this diverse industry,” Mr Martin said.
“People entering the agricultural industry will have the knowledge and the skills to ensure that we can address major issues such as the environment, energy, water, food security, consumer health, and the impact that they have on our global economy.”
“I encourage all young people not sure about what they are interested in doing once they finish school to consider a career in this industry as the job satisfaction, diversity of the work and the opportunities for career progression and travel are excellent.”
Students can apply for the Merit Scholarships directly at www.uq.edu.au/study/scholarships/index.html?page=143054 and applications close 1 November 2010.
Media: Karli Kollegger +61 7 54601 279
