Student Spotlight - Bella Green
Certificate II in Agriculture (AHC20122) student Bella Green is one of many students completing study at William Orr.
Proving she belongs
“I have always had a connection to the outdoors, whether that be through camping, gardening, hunting or working with animals,” she said.
“I chose to pursue a hands-on educational journey as it would give me the skills needed to progress my passion into a career.”
Bella grew up in regional Victoria, with her father coming from a farming background in the UK.
“I never learned to milk a cow or drive a tractor, but I learned hard work and respect,” she said.
Bella enjoys being able to express her individuality and says learning outdoors is what motivates her to come to class.
“The whole atmosphere at GOTAFE is very welcoming,” she said.
“The best part is the inclusiveness and the determination of the trainers to help us achieve our goals.
“GOTAFE has offered me the opportunities to use machinery and livestock, which were not available to me at home.”
Bella said the course has made her more confident and has given her the experience required to work in the agriculture industry.
“[The course] is a great way for future enthusiasts to test the waters and see for themselves if it's something they'd be further interested in,” she said.
“It has made someone like me, who is not as easily exposed to the farming world to get involved and have no fear in asking questions.”

In agriculture, some 31% of those working in the sector are female.
Gender composition varies greatly between agricultural sub-industries, with farmers and farm managers the most common occupational category working in agriculture, accounting for 56% of all persons working in the sector.
Of these, nearly 50% were livestock farmers and farm managers, with labourers accounting for a further 22%.
Female owner-operators, higher skill and lower skill employees are more prevalent in other livestock raising (horses, alpacas, and bees), intensive animals (pigs and poultry), dairy, nursery and vegetables.
Women like Bella are playing a role in breaking the stigma around women in agriculture.
“I sometimes…feel I don’t belong,” she said.
“But I understand that being who I am in a world like ours just means I have to prove myself a little more and challenge myself a little harder.
“I often find myself torn between the options I was given as a woman, some which seem limited to society’s standards.
“To set new standards, the few who dare to try must break the stigma and step out of their comfort zones.”
To anyone considering a career or education pathway in agriculture or horticulture, Bella says that “to discover new horizons, you must first have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
“When you are good at something and you are passionate, the only person stopping you from reaching your goals is yourself.”
Be part of the future of agriculture
Whether you are passionate about environmental conservation, love working with animals, or preparing to take over the family farm, GOTAFE has a range of Land and Animals courses will teach you the skills you need to make a positive contribution to the health of our regional industries.