Agriculture - VET study in agriculture

VET study in agriculture

Employment rate
86.3% of 2006 Agriculture, Environmental and Related studies graduates found employment after completing their studies
Graduate views of course experience
89.7% of Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies graduates were satisfied with the overall quality of training
(Source: National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) Student Outcomes Survey 2007)

Careers for agriculture VET graduates

While the career options resulting from higher education study in agriculture span the breadth of professional roles available in a practical, managerial or research / consultancy capacity, career options resulting from VET study will likely be more vocational or ‘hands on’ in nature.

Practical, paraprofessional roles are typically centred around primary industries such as forestry, dairy, cattle, any type of livestock and crop management industries, or other niche industries such as horticulture or wine.

Courses and specialisations

The Vocational Education and Training sector is well known for the high quality of its ‘hands-on’ style of tuition, and those wishing to pursue agriculture courses in this sector will certainly not be limited for choice. There are literally hundreds of courses ranging from certificate I through to advanced diploma level available in a wide range of agriculture and agriculture-related specialisations, including but not limited to those listed below.

Specialisations
●Animal technology ●Aquaculture ●Arboriculture ●Beef production ●Conservation and land management ●Cotton production ●Crutching ●Dairy production ●Farriery ●Forest growth and management ●Forestry and forest products ●Goat production ●Harvesting and haulage ●Horse breeding ●Horse industry operations ●Horse industry practice ●Horticulture ●Irrigation ●Organic farming ●Retail nursery ●Rural business management ●Rural operations ●Sawdoctoring ●Sawmilling and processing ●Seafood processing ●Seafood sales and distribution ●Shearing ●Sheep and wool production ●Timber merchandising ●Viticulture ●Wood machining ●Wood panel products ●Wool classing ●Wool handling.

Which course is for you?

The great range of subject areas in VET agriculture might make deciding on a course a daunting task. The best advice is to think carefully about where your particular interests lie and what job you can see yourself doing at the end of your studies.

It might be useful to try and talk to people working in the area that interests you, and even to seek out recent graduates of courses you’re interested in to gain a sense of whether or not you think the area of study / work is for you.

In terms of the level of study, your options in the VET sector span course levels from certificate I through to diploma (and advanced diploma). It will pay to do your research and carefully look into the outcomes of each of these course levels to see which you think might be most suited to your eventual career goals. If, for example, you think you may wish to pursue further study and skill up, then perhaps a diploma or certificate IV course might be the way to go.

Getting in

Entry requirements and prerequisites will vary depending on the institution, the specific course and the level of study. Entry to VET courses in agriculture will generally require successful completion of the High School Certificate (or equivalent) or evidence of ability to complete the course.

Lower levels of study — certificate I, II, III, and IV — will generally not require any prerequisite studies beyond high school, but depending on the institution and course, may require success in an interview, demonstrated interest or experience, or satisfaction of selection criteria.

Entry to diploma and advanced diploma courses may require successful completion of a prior VET qualification (certificate II or III, for example) in the same subject area.

Where to study

VET courses in agriculture are widely located at TAFE colleges and registered training organisations (RTOs) throughout the country. Many of the institutions offering courses in this field are located in regional areas and are therefore able to make good use of their surrounds and give students opportunities to gain strong practical skills and experience.

What to look for in a course

Essentials that courses in this field should offer centre, particularly, around the practical aspects of this discipline.

Look for opportunities for practical work and vocational experience. Be sure to browse course outlines for details about the time spent on field work and in work placements and internships. In addition to off-campus practical learning, many institutions have great facilities that simulate the industry environment or projects: anything from indoor riding arenas, abattoirs, swamps, farms and vineyards.

Pay attention to the facilities relevant to your particular course and make sure they compare well with those offered through alternative institutions.

Pathways

As well as career-focused skills and great employment opportunities, VET qualifications in agriculture can often provide pathways to further study, and to university study. Certificate II and III courses, for example, often lead into higher-level courses, such as certificate IV or diploma.

Similarly, it is often the case that VET qualifications in agriculture can be used as a stepping stone to university study in the same field. In many cases, recognition of prior learning may mean that credit will be awarded for prior VET study and bachelor degrees can consequently be completed in a shorter-than-usual timeframe. It pays to do your research and look into any possible articulation pathways within VET study, or between VET and university study for courses and institutions that interest you.