Scheme shares career options with next gen

Up to 25 year 10 students from Eastern Fleurieu School at Strathalbyn will have the opportunity to work with farmers in the region as part of a collaborative project with the Alexandrina Sustainable Agricultural Round Table Advisory Group and the Alexandrina Council.

The idea behind the project was originally conceived as part of ABC’s Heywire Regional Youth Summit, which brings together young people from throughout regional Australia to brainstorm ideas to help local communities.

The Ag Boom idea was to pair students with farmers, in part to encourage them to consider a career in agriculture.

The scheme would enable them to learn life skills, as well as provide contacts which could open the door to future employment.

One of those behind the idea was Bella Joseland, Yaraka, Qld, who said she loved the opportunity to grow up in the beef cattle industry.

“My vision is to encourage young Australians to be more interested in where their produce comes from,” she said.

The project was funded through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

The project was initially driven by the Alexandrina Council after it became aware of the grant opportunity.

A council spokesperson said representatives met with the school to discuss working together on a collaborative project.

“When reading the Ag Boom project concept it was clear that the project was an excellent fit for our council area, in particular the Strathalbyn area where Eastern Fleurieu School is based,” the spokesperson said.

“The town has a strong agriculture focus and the school has a strong agriculture program.”

The council also worked with the Alexandrina Sustainable Agriculture Round Table, which will provide the link between the school and the farming community.

 Expressions of interest will be sent to all students enrolled in year 10 at Eastern Fleurieu School with an emphasis on those interested in, or enrolled in, agriculture programs.

The spokesperson said this project would create stronger links between the school staff and students, the council and the local farming community.

“Once established, these links can be maintained into the future,” they said.

The project is also hoped to increase awareness and improved perception of career opportunities in agriculture, while the school is able to provide real world learning opportunities for students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths.

The spokesperson said there were also wellbeing outcomes for local young people.

“(There are) flow-on effects for good mental health and wellbeing linked to increased engagement of young people in training, education or employment,” they said.

“Agriculture is the main industry of employment in Strathalbyn, with 17 per cent of employment within the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector.”