Gatton course breaks new rural ground

A certificate III in Rural Operations will be delivered full-time at The University of Queensland’s Gatton Campus next year.

The 16-week course is a collaboration between the UQ Gatton Vocational Education Centre (UQ-GVEC) and the Australian Agricultural College Corporation (AACC).

The course will cover all aspects of rural operations, including soil preparation and planting, machinery operation and maintenance, irrigation and chemical application and livestock welfare and management.

University of Queensland Gatton Vocational Education Centre Director Mark Pace said the program could open doors in the rural industry.

“To our knowledge, this is the only full-time, face-to-face course in rural operations in South East Queensland,” he said.

"Graduation from this program provides the skills to secure a job in the rural industry and provides a range of further educational opportunities.”

Graduates can continue their studies through the two-year Diploma of Agricultural Technologies offered by UQ-GVEC, enrol in academic programs offered by the University of Queensland Gatton, or sign-up for other AACC programs.

AACC Southern Queensland Education and Training Manager Kayci Delaney said the course was designed to provide a general introduction to horticulture and agriculture by teaching skills prized by employers across the rural industry.

“We are committed to preparing our students for employment by teaching the skills that we know employers value,” Ms Delaney said.

“This course will really suit students looking for a gap year or year-12 graduates looking for a career in agriculture.

“It is also ideal for a mature aged person looking for a career and lifestyle change.

“The exceptional facilities at the University’s Gatton Campus for rural training provide students with livestock experience in beef, dairy and pigs as well as a wide range of horticultural and agricultural skills such as fencing, machinery operation, irrigation and chemical application,” she said.

The course starts in February and will attract State Government Certificate III funding for eligible participants.

Contact customer service on 1800 888 710 or enquiries@aacc.edu.au for details.