Central Highlands Regional Council has joined forces with Emerald Agricultural College to provide a boost for young people in the local government area to study the new Access Ag program at the college.
One CHRC Scholarship valued at $8,000 will be offered to students commencing their studies in 2018.
Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges CEO, Mark Tobin, said this scholarship provides a student with an excellent opportunity to further their studies in the agricultural industry and become a future leader in the local region.
‘Education is vitally important to long term industry sustainability, and we commend and thank the CHRC for their commitment and support.’
The Central Highlands Regional Council area covers around 60,000 square kilometres and is home to 30,000 residents. Many of these people have direct or indirect linkages with the rich agricultural industries in the council area. Council wants to continue to support local agriculture, and by supporting education will help ensure continued prosperity for our local industries and residents.
‘Access Ag is a brand new program in 2018, and turns traditional senior schooling education on its head. Instead of agriculture being a small part of the curriculum, the Access Ag program provides students with the opportunity to complete their QCE, but also provides a very strong foundation with two agricultural Certificate qualifications on our industry scale enterprises at Emerald and Longreach,’ Mr Tobin said.
‘This means students who complete Access Ag are work ready sooner than students who study vocational qualifications after school. Importantly Access Ag students will also be eligible for direct entry into the CQUniversity Bachelor of Agriculture.’
Applications for the CHRC Scholarship is open now and will close on Friday 27 October 2017.
Students undertaking Access Ag can choose from various study options, including whether they want to specialise in a particular industry or graduate with generalist skills. Accommodation options include day students, weekday board, and full board.
About Emerald Agricultural College:
Emerald Agricultural College has been at the forefront of delivering industry accredited and endorsed training and skilling in beef and livestock production, cropping and farming, and horses for more than 40 years. Providing students with real practical skills training, Emerald Agricultural College is a
division of Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges.