With a strong interest in livestock and farm business management, Dingo local Mitchell Howe, is being supported by Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC), to combine his senior school education with vocational training in agriculture, undertaking the Access Ag program at Emerald Agricultural College.
The Access Ag program ensures students complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) while still following their dreams in the agricultural sector, making it more meaningful for them. In his scholarship application Mitchell conveyed a clear passion for beef cattle production, and aspirations to understand all aspects of farm business management.
Mitchell said by receiving a scholarship it will enable him to study his passion in a practical environment that delivers industry scale practical learning and work towards achieving my career pathway.
His interest in an agricultural career stems from helping out with the family’s rural enterprises while growing up.
“I have worked on the family farms across the commercial breeding, growing and fattening operations with one property having organic status,” Mitchell said.
“This is where my passion for agriculture, particularly producing beef cattle, began.”
After studying Mitchell aims to head home to his families’ properties and eventually own and manage multiple successful farming enterprises in the beef industry. Mitchell completed Year 10 in Rockhampton, and is grateful for the financial assistance that will allow him to continue his senior schooling in 2018.
Mrs Sandie Schofield, (CHRC) Manager, Safety and Wellness said they are proud to offer this scholarship for 2018 and congratulate Mitchell on his success.
“Council recognises the importance of advocating young people who will become the next generation farmers and hopes this scholarship will assist local students who wish to consider a career in agriculture.”
“Education is vitally important to long term industry sustainability, and we commend and thank the CHRC for their commitment and support of our Access Ag program and student cohort,” Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges (QATC), Chief Executive Officer, Mark Tobin.
“The Access Ag program provides students with the opportunity to complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), and a very strong foundation with two agricultural Certificate qualifications delivered on industry-scale operating agricultural enterprises.”
“It is an innovative course and will really benefit students who want to get into a career in ag immediately after leaving school, or who aspire to move on to further education in the ag sector,” he said.
Enrolments for the Access Ag program are still available, and potential students and their families are urged to contact Queensland Agricultural Training colleges to find out more information on phone 1800 888 710.
