Secondary students will get new insight into high-tech career options in agriculture, thanks to an agri-tech program from the Goulburn Murray Local Learning and Employment Network and CQUniversity.
The Raising Aspirations in Careers and Education — Goulburn project will connect with more than 2000 students across 15 schools in the next 12 months.
With $200,000 funding from the Victorian Government’s Secondary School Agriculture Fund, students will get hands-on opportunities to participate in an agri-tech roadshow where they will complete interactive activities using technology on food waste, assess fruit ripeness and use sensors to test soil.
They will also have the opportunity to visit agricultural workplaces in the region to hear firsthand from agricultural professionals what a career in the industry is like and see how their food is produced.
The program has been run successfully in Gippsland.
GMLLEN executive officer Bec Costa-Lowe said the project would help young people find new career pathways, and address local skills shortages.
“It’s such an exciting time in agriculture for tech and innovation, and the RACE project will help put local young people in the driver’s seat,” she said.
“GMLLEN can't wait to work with CQU agri-tech experts, and start rolling out the inspiring, interactive experiences for our local schools.”
RACE – Goulburn is also supported by Fruit Growers Australia, Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network, Legacy Packing AC Foods, Murray Dairy, the Committee for Greater Shepparton, and Tatura SmartFarms.
The program is open to secondary schools across Greater Shepparton, Moira, Strathbogie, Campaspe, Mitchell and Murrindindi local government areas.
For more information contact project lead Associate Professor Amy Cosby via agri-techeducation.com or ageducation@cqu.edu.au