Opening the eyes of agricultural science students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) to the diverse range of careers that lay in wait has driven the formation of a new work placement program.

 

Under the stewardship of Drs Jason Condon and Alison Southwell from the University’s School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, CSU has for the first time formalised its relationship with rural industries to provide work placements for students.

 

“This program is about increasing student knowledge of the careers that are available to them in the rural sector,” Dr Southwell said. “We are very keen to open their eyes to the variety of jobs available to qualified agricultural scientists.

 

“The amount of support we have had for this new work placement program from rural business and industry has been overwhelming and encouraging for the future of our students.”

 

More than 30 businesses and companies are now participating in the new Agricultural Industry Practicum Program.

 

Under the program, Bachelor of Agricultural Science students apply for a 12-week placement with a range of rural employers during the fourth and final year of their studies.

 

Among the latest to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to participate in the program are the Commonwealth Bank (CBA), Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Warakirri Agricultural Trusts.

 

“We are very excited about this program because there is a shortage of qualified applicants out there,” Warakirri Agricultural Trusts’ Property Manager Mr John Stevenson said. “Corporate agriculture has a great deal to offer to graduates seeking a career path and the industry exposure this program offers is exciting to all involved.”

 

“We hope the practicum experience will encourage more agricultural science graduates to pursue careers in natural resource management,” Chairman of the Murrumbidgee CMA Mr Lee O’Brien said. “During their placement, the students will be mentored and will have the opportunity to work on natural resource management projects such as wetland rehabilitation, biodiversity and soil and land management.”

 

Head of the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences at CSU Associate Professor John Kent said, “Charles Sturt University is well-placed to run this program as we are the largest provider of agricultural undergraduate education in Australia, accounting for more than 30 per cent of all student enrolments in agricultural science courses.

 

“Agricultural student numbers have contracted across Australian universities in recent times, forcing institutions to reduce the length of their courses or integrate them with other courses.  We reviewed our degrees to assess their relevance to the modern rural sector and actually increased the Bachelor of Agricultural Science from three to four years to incorporate greater interaction with the professions.”

 

Lecturer with School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences Dr Jason Condon said, “With the high level of industry involvement we have in the new course at Charles Sturt University, our graduates are in a great position to get the industry experience and networks they need for a fantastic start at whatever career they seek. It is more than just getting a foot in the door; it throws the door wide open.”