微拍福利

Twenty two students are taking the next step in their careers after graduating from the Queensland Certificate in Agriculture (QCA) at 微拍福利 (UQ) yesterday.

The QCA is a year-long program offered by UQ's Gatton-Vocational Education Centre created to guide and develop students who are planning a career in the agriculture, horticulture and animal industries.

Graduate Edward Walton, who lives on the Gold Coast, chose to complete a QCA after studying agriculture whilst at The Southport School and recognised the benefits that the program offers.

鈥淢y studies through agriculture at school gave me a keen interest in the industry,鈥� Mr Walton said.

鈥淏eing born and raised on the Gold Coast, I chose the QCA for that fact that I was able to learn practical and theoretical agriculture across a broad spectrum of agriculture industries.鈥�

The program consists of four applied skills courses and four theory courses, with the students also undertaking a variety of hands-on skills training including Tractor and Machinery Operation; Cropping Practices; Animal Husbandry Practices and Rural Business Management Principles and Practices.

鈥淢y favourite aspect of the course would have to be the practical farming experience and tutelage I was given,鈥� Mr Walton said.

鈥淭he instructors are experienced and taught me valuable skills such as how to drive a tractor and quad bike safely, the correct operation of chainsaws and welders and also working with livestock.鈥�

The QCA is a unique educational program, which enables graduates direct entry into the workforce or higher-level university or vocational educational systems.

Graduates can find employment in a range of industries from intensive to extensive agriculture, livestock, horticulture, government departments, agribusinesses and industry organisations.

Mr Walton has the intention of entering the agriculture or mining industry as a diesel fitter, with the long term goal being to manage his own business.

鈥淚 wish to go on into an apprenticeship as a diesel fitter then move into the agricultural or mining industry. In 10 years I envision myself hopefully managing my own business, however there鈥檚 a lot of ground to cover before then,鈥� he said.

Mr Walton graduated, along with the other Queensland Certificate in Agriculture students, yesterday in a ceremony at 微拍福利 Gatton Campus.

For enquiries about the Queensland Certificate in Agriculture contact the 微拍福利Gatton Vocational Education Centre on (07) 5460 1353 or email enquiries_gvec@uq.edu.au.

Media: Erin Pearl, 微拍福利Gatton, 07 5460 1229, e.pearl@uq.edu.au