GRDC has long supported scholarships at three agricultural colleges across Australia, helping young people into an agricultural career

For some students, studying at an agricultural college is the first chance to taste what a career in the grains industry might look like. For others, it is enhancing their passion.

GRDC is keen to foster that journey and has long supported scholarships at three agricultural colleges across Australia.

They are Longerenong College, Tocal College, and the Western Australia College of Agriculture – Cunderdin.

GRDC capacity and extension manager Katelyn Lubcke says GRDC supports four students from each college annually.

Selected for their commitment to the grains industry, the students engage in cropping-related competency units and complete an off-campus placement within the grains industry.

GRDC scholarships support young agricultural students with a passion for the grains sector from research agronomy to on-farm production.

For many, the scholarship is not only a financial aid but also a springboard to a career in agriculture to joining the agricultural industry.

GRDC has supported more than 200 students to attend colleges since 2002.

Longerenong College

Based at Longerenong, north-east of Horsham in Victoria, ‘Longy’ has been operating since 1889. Situated on a commercial farm, students gain hands-on practical experience alongside academic learning.

Tocal College

Based at Tocal, north of Maitland in NSW, Tocal offers school leavers a practical pathway to a career in agriculture or the opportunity to gain credit in a variety of university degrees.

By focusing on industry-relevant issues, the college aims to train students for a career in agriculture or related industries.

WA College of Agriculture – Cunderdin

The college is located in WA’s wheatbelt, 158 kilometres east of Perth. It offers students a combination of excellence in academic teaching and relevant practical and trade experience in a 4063-hectare working farm environment.

Inspired students

The range of topics on offer also reflects the changing industry. Students have the opportunity to study topics from land management and farm safety to farm mapping and data collection to the use of drones in agriculture.

GRDC scholarship recipient Ben Edelsten’s passion for agronomy led him from ‘Longy’ to the Birchip Cropping Group (BCG).

Ben joined BCG in March after completing an Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management and a Diploma of Applied Agronomy.

As a new BCG research agronomist, he will be involved in a variety of research projects. “I will also be supporting the technical team with machinery maintenance and repairs when required.”

Ben says he has a passion for agronomy and the science of crop production and the new role suits that well.

More information: Katelyn Lubcke, katelyn.lubcke@grdc.com.au