WHEN the opportunity to study certificate in agriculture through the Pathways to Agricultural Careers and Education (PACE) at the Emerald Agricultural College was presented to 16-year-old Jack Young last year he grabbed the opportunity.
Jack is one of 16 students enrolled in the PACE program run by Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges and is studying a certificate II in agriculture while in year 11.
Jack, a city born and bred boy from the Brisbane suburb of Boondall, was attending Nudgee College when he heard about the program that was introduced this year.
He says from a very young age he was interested in carving out a country-based career after spending his school holidays with family friends, the Hacon family of Bunda Bunda, Julia Creek, along with Rob and Jen Grieve at Nanango.
“I would lend a hand and go mustering and help out,” Jack said.
“I am playing my future career by ear but have big dreams of working and owning a property one day.”
The PACE program run by Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges (QATC) has been designed with the future of the industry in mind.
The pathway is designed to transition through Years 11 and 12, for qualifying students like Jack Young, who will have certificate level qualifications and 20 Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) points.
It will also give students the opportunity to enrol into a Bachelor of Agriculture tertiary program run in conjunction with Central Queensland University, by direct entry.
“One of reasons this course appeals to me is I am getting to know more about the farming and cropping side, and the main thing is that I like mixing with other like-minded people,” Jack said
If students wish to continue studying after completing Year 12, they can apply to complete a Diploma of Agriculture at Emerald Agricultural College and choose minor subjects to gain their degree qualifications.
PACE has a focus on practical, hands-on learning for students to develop skills and knowledge to assist in their future careers in agriculture.
Agricultural qualifications include a certificate I in Agrifoods and a certificate II in Rural Operations during Year 11, and a Certificate III in Rural Operations in Year 12 at the agricultural college.
Students like Jack attend the Emerald High School one morning and one afternoon each week to study maths and English as core board approved subjects.
“Also attending the local high school is great, as we get to mix with other students as well,” Jack said.
“I really just love it all.”
