Students currently graduating from agricultural courses at university are in high demand, as employers try to address skilled labour shortages in the sector, according to a report published by the Australian Farm Institute.
As one of the authors concludes, “based on the job market of 2021, we have found there are six jobs per [agriculture] graduate”.
Agriculture’s focus on science and sustainability is how we will adapt to our changing climate, declining environmental health and increasing demand for safe food production to feed our growing populations.
For students seeking job security, quick career progression, diverse work opportunities and the ability to make a difference, agriculture is an excellent choice — and the Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of Melbourne is the perfect springboard.
University of Melbourne graduate Amelia Anderson has found life after university to be highly rewarding in the agriculture industry.
“I started as a milker for the Moxey Farm Dairy with no experience and was able to apply theory from my degree into practice, working my way up to a supervisor position,” she said.
“It’s highly rewarding, especially having recent alum under my supervision in the graduate program, because I feel I’m now helping guide others on their journey.”
Learning in the lab and the field, University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Agriculture students combine studies in science, technology and business to prepare for a wide spectrum of roles in industries such as agronomy, agribusiness, policy development, fast-moving consumer goods, logistics, finance, management consulting and more.
With an employment rate of more than 92 per cent within four months of graduation, students get practical industry-led training that sets them up for success from day one.
Amelia is thankful for the opportunities and benefits she has reaped from entering the agriculture industry.
“When I first started, I had the misconception that because I was from the city I wouldn’t be of value in the country setting,” she said.
“People in agriculture are very open-minded and welcoming, they don’t care where you come from as long as you give it a go.”
If you’d like to start closer to home, you can do the one-year Diploma in General Studies at the university’s Dookie campus and get credit for the Bachelor of Agriculture when you’re ready.
For more information, go to: cop.unimelb.edu.au