THE long reach of coronavirus has been felt by schools participating in the 2020 Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Program, but officials are still looking at record involvement.
According to Queensland's Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner, students from a record 59 schools, the majority of which are in regional and country districts, will be participating.
Mr Furner said the present health environment meant some creative and innovative thinking was necessary to give students access to online studies.
"This year's record number of applicants shows just how committed our schools are to providing quality agricultural educational opportunities for young Queenslanders," Mr Furner said.
"The program has more than 30 mentors available to assist participating schools with advice on science, biosecurity, animal husbandry and setting up a farm.
"In the immediate future, schools will be supported through online e-technologies."
It is understood schools involved in the 2020 program could apply for grants up to $5000 with applications closing on April 24.
"To be eligible for the grants, schools must put forward project proposals that meet the interests of their students and the needs of agriculture within their local area," Mr Furner said.
"Projects should involve students in aspects of the agricultural supply chain, including cropping, animal husbandry, data analysis, research, logistics, marketing and business management."
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the program gave students "a taste of an industry" and provided links to industry, "giving them a head start in their careers".
Participating schools are: Atherton State High School, Australian Technology & Agricultural College, Ayr State High School, Beaudesert State High School, Beenleigh State High School, Brisbane Bayside State College, Bundaberg Christian College, Burnett State College, Caboolture State High School, Calvary Christian College, Capella State High School, Clermont State High School, Corinda State High School, Dakabin State High School, Dalby State High School, Downlands College, Emmaus College Jimboomba, Faith Lutheran College, Ferny Grove State High School, Gin Gin State High School, Glasshouse Christian College, Gordonvale State High School, Gympie State High School, Herberton State School, Hervey Bay State High School, Highfields State Secondary College, Home Hill State High School, Ingham State High School, Injune State School, Innisfail State College, Kepnock State High School, Kilcoy State High School, Kingaroy State High School, Livingstone Christian College, Loganlea State High School, Malanda State High School, Maleny State High School, Mareeba State High School, McAuley College, Monto State High School, Nambour Christian College, Nambour State College, Northern Beaches State High School, Oakey State High School, Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Pittsworth State High School, Proserpine State High School, Rosewood State High School, Rockhampton Girls Grammar School, Rockhampton Grammar School, Saint Mary's Catholic College, St George State High School, Scots PGC College, Stanthorpe State High School, Stuartholme School, The Wilsonton Agricultural Field Study, Toogoolawah State High School, Tully State High School, West Moreton Anglican College and Yeppoon State High School.
The program is a partnership between schools, training providers, universities and industry and is designed to help young people move from school into further education or employment
Alan Welburn
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
