Life experience counts towards Diploma in Agriculture

After almost 20 years as a South-east Queensland dairy farmer, Paul Roderick sought formal agricultural training at The University of Queensland, Gatton.

This month Mr Roderick graduated with a Diploma of Agriculture from the UQ Gatton Vocational Education Centre and looks forward to advancing his career within the industry.

“To be able to show the skills I have on paper is a useful tool,” Mr Roderick said.

“It allows me to show employers that I have a formalised skill-base.”

Mr Roderick has worked as a dairy farmer in Harrisville for 19 years.

He received Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and completed additional training to fill any knowledge gaps as part of the diploma program.

Mr Roderick is the Chairman of the Young Farmers Dairy Network, which plays an active role in working with educating young farmers.

Trainer Graeme Busby says having a formal qualification is important and it can lead to further opportunities.

“For farmers interested in progressing into industry bodies and representing farmers, it is useful to have a formal qualification,” Mr Busby said.

“Being able to provide feedback to farmers on the skills they have already learnt and assist them in areas that they need more training is also very beneficial.

“We are always really impressed with how our students are running their farms and the innovative practices they are already adopting in their work.”

The Government funded program has had 32 graduates with another 17 student enrollments.

Graduates come from a variety of agricultural backgrounds including dairy, beef cattle, horticulture and orchards, from as far away as Central Queensland, down to Beaudesert and across to Goondiwindi.

For more information on the Diploma of Agriculture contact The University of Queensland Gatton-Vocational Education Centre on (07) 5460 1353 or enquiries_gvec@uq.edu.au.