A SCHOOL-based apprenticeship program is helping Booleroo Centre District School Year 12 student Alistair Keller realise his farming dreams and gain a head start into the agricultural industry.
The 18-year-old embarked on the program in Year 10 and has nearly completed his Certificate III in Agriculture through farming employer Rowdy Bastian, Booleroo Centre, and training provider Regional Skills Training.
The young farmer is a strong advocate for the agricultural industry and youth involvement in country shows, and is passionate about the Merino industry and training working dogs.
His achievements in promoting agriculture both on and off the farm were recognised at the recent 2012 South Australian Training Awards where won top honours and was named Trade Schools for the Future's School-Based Apprentice of the Year.
Since the school-based apprenticeship program began in 2008, more than 3000 students across urban and regional areas have taken up the opportunity to gain work experience and formal qualifications while at school helping them become workforce ready and into their chosen vocation.
The number of students studying Certificates II and III in Agriculture is on the rise, helping young people gain valuable skills, knowledge and industry networks to propel them into the Ag industry, with both SA Certificate of Education and a nationally recognised tertiary qualification under their belt.
Mr Keller chose a school-based apprenticeship as the best way gain practical know-how and industry contacts while still completing school and gaining income for something he loves doing.
Mr Keller said agriculture has always been at the forefront of his career thinking and opted to pursue a school-based apprenticeship to get a head start in the industry.
"Agriculture has always been my passion and my interest is stimulated through the generations of farmers that have gone before me," Mr Keller said.
"Farming is in my blood and I suspect there may even be a gene or two in my DNA."
He said growing up stories of his grandfather's connection the land and farming has had significant impact on his chosen career path.
It has also spurred him on to learn the 'lost art' of blade shearing - a skill his grandfather was renowned for, and regularly demonstrates this traditional skill at agricultural shows.
Mr Keller's study path also has flow on benefits to his agriculture class at school where he passes his industry knowledge, particularly in sheep industry, to his peers.
Trade Schools for the Future apprenticeship broker Harry Moate said the program has grown significantly in its five years, backing wider awareness and acceptance of vocational training within the SACE system.
"The support for the program in country areas, small business and the local community has been fantastic," Mr Moate said.
"The flexible approach to training is a big plus, and students are regularly taking up school-based apprenticeships throughout the year, not just at the start of the school year.
"Work experience is key to finding a suitable employer for an apprenticeship- whether it is in Ag or another industry - and practical industry experience is key to finding long term job opportunities," he said.
"Once engaged in an industry, apprentices can start to build networks, knowledge and skills to help them in the future."
An apprenticeship broker helps communication between business, schools, students and parents to facilitate a suitable school-based apprenticeship match. There are about 20 apprenticeship brokers across the State, covering all regions.
