University of Queensland student Nicola Paulger has received one of 10 studentships offered through a recent initiative to give students the opportunity to pursue a career in the primary industry sector.
Industry and government are getting behind youth in agriculture through the intiative, known as the Investing in Youth Undergraduate Program.
Ms Paulger is studying a dual degree — the Bachelors of Applied Science and Agribusiness.
She received one of the studentships offered by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) with significant support from industry partners.
Ms Paulger is one of the first recipients of this award and she is excited about the opportunities that this program will provide for young people passionate about agriculture.
“RIRDC can see the need for a number of youth to be directly involved in agriculture, and we as the pilot group have had many opportunities to start to make a difference,” Ms Paulger said.
“One of the greatest achievements this program has allowed, is the coming together of youth from around Australia who are all passionate about individual aspects of agriculture, yet are linked by their desire of where they want to go.”
The Investing in Youth Undergraduate Program will provide her with financial support, industry contacts and a professional mentor to assist in her studies.
The Australian Egg Corporation Ltd (AECL) has donated Ms Paulger’s award of $5000 per year for four years together with an additional $5000 per year for four years as funding for mentorship and professional development activities.
“This scholarship has opened many doors, through travelling and meeting like-minded passionate youths, RIRDC staff, scholarship ambassadors, work placement and mentoring which are all a great part of the initiative,” she said.
“The program has encouraged me to stay within the field that I am so deeply passionate about and remain focused on my aspirations within agriculture and desire to be active in my role as a youth in this position.”
People can apply for the award if they are enrolling in a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Bachelor of Agricultural Economics, Bachelor of Agribusiness, Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, Bachelor of Horticulture, Bachelor of Natural Resource Management or similar agricultural related degrees at an Australian university or other higher education institution.
Ms Paulger hopes that her studies will enable her to inspire more young people to take up the challenge of working in the primary industries. She has a background in dairy but her real passion is in breeding and genetics.
For more information on programs to study in these areas at UQ visit www.uq.edu.au/study.
Applications are now available for 2011 studentships, visit http://www.rirdc.gov.au/programs/national-rural-issues/dynamic-rural-communities/investing-in-youth-studentship-program/investing-in-youth-studentship-program_home.cfm
Media: Karli Kollegger, telephone 07 54 601 279.
