GOTAFE helping shape Victoria's agriculture workforce
Certificate III in Agriculture students share their education journey with GOTAFE.
Did you know Victoria is Australia’s largest producer of food and fibre products?
GOTAFE is working hard to ensure agriculture workers are equipped with the appropriate skills as the industry evolves.
At GOTAFE’s William Orr (Shepparton) campus, which acts as a working farm, students are learning all aspects of agriculture.
From cropping to sheep farming, to machinery maintenance and agribusiness, all training aims to support the future workforce to enter the industry with the relevant knowledge and skills.
Certificate III in Agriculture (AHC30122) students Neville Scriven and Cam Darbyshire shared their reasons for enrolling with GOTAFE.
Certificate III in Agriculture (AHC30122) students Neville Scriven and Cam Darbyshire shared their reasons for enrolling with GOTAFE.
For Cam, the decision followed a lifestyle change that saw him move from the bustling Melbourne CBD to a hobby farm in Stanhope.
Although he was excited, he has felt some feelings of self-doubt as he had limited experience in the agriculture industry.
“It was a bit daunting,” he said.
“I am learning everything from scratch and by making mistakes.”
During his studies, Cam has not only gained a deeper understanding of agriculture, but also how to use farm machinery and make best use of land.
“It has been challenging – but I have had a lot of support from other students,” he said.
Similarly, Neville has a farm in Lerg with his wife and comes from a farming family but wanted to learn the best practice ways to do certain elements of agriculture work.
“The course has been really good – the Trainers are great,” he said.
“I have always loved being outside in fresh air, with animals and lush green grass after sowing seed.”
For anyone else with a love of the land, or wanting to pursue a career or education pathway into agriculture, Neville said to “give it a go.”
In addition to the accredited agriculture and horticulture courses, GOTAFE is proud to be releasing a series of non-accredited short courses in agriculture and horticulture to ensure the future workforce is equipped with the required experience and skills.
From best-practice farm fencing techniques, cattle pregnancy testing and farm safety worker inductions, our short courses will upskill you quickly and add to your agricultural and horticultural know-how.
