STUDENTS across four regions have been gaining insight into the dairy industry with the rollout of the Cows Create Careers program.
This year’s module included 720 students across 42 schools with the presentations held late last month.
The presentation days recognised the schools based across the Limestone Coast, Barossa and Mid North, Fleurieu Peninsula, Murray Bridge and Adelaide Hills regions, along with several new schools from inner city and suburban Adelaide, that had participated in the program.
Prizes were awarded to the winning senior and junior schools and to student teams.
In the Barossa region Kapunda Junior School and Orroroo Area School the winners in the junior and senior categories, respectively. In the Limestone Coast, Glencoe Central Primary School and Kingston Community School were the winners.
Port Elliot Primary School and Victor Harbor Primary School were tied in the junior section for the Fleurieu Region while Eastern Fleurieu School won the seniors competition.
Murray Bridge had the largest section, with 12 schools competing, with Birdwood High School winning the junior section and Murray Bridge High School the senior.
The three-week program has students complete the program, including rearing and caring for two, three-week-old calves at their school.
The program also has the assistance of a local dairyfarmer, who advises on how to care for the calf, while an industry advocate speaks about their career in the dairy industry.
Dairy Australia workforce development program manager Sally Roberts said it was encouraging to see so many students passionate about the industry.
“The aim of Cows Create Careers is to increase the students’ awareness of the diversity of educational pathways and career opportunities in Australia’s dairy industry,” she said.
“Through the project, students learn about the different skills required in the dairy industry in a fun and hands-on way.
“It is great to see enthusiastic students getting involved and learning about the industry, while making important connections with their local dairy community.”
Ms Roberts said that the project has received strong support from dairyfarmers and advocates across Australia. Last year alone 466 volunteers gave 2330 hours of their time across 23 Australian dairying regions.
“The project’s passionate volunteers are vital to the continued success of Cows Create Careers,” she said. “They speak to the students about their experiences in the industry, they support student career decision making, and they have important links to education and employment sectors.”
