CENTRAL Australian students are learning animal handling skills and putting them to work in the showring and potentially a new career.
A group of Certificate II in Rural Operations students from Tennant Creek High School, NT, and the Centralian Senior College in Alice Springs, NT, recently competed in the Alice Springs Show, claiming the broadribbon for Champion Droughtmaster bull, as well as a swag of other ribbons.
NT Department of Education trainer-assessor Danielle Brown said this was the third year the vet in schools program had shown cattle but she was unaware of local students having the opportunity before.
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The students are loaned cattle from Savannah Droughtmasters and Coodardie Brahmans and have full ownership of their preparation, including halter training, grooming and preparation a feed plan.
"Everything they've done is their own effort," Ms Brown said.
She said most of the students grew up in town and may not have spent much time on properties.
"It's giving them an opportunity they otherwise wouldn't have," she said.
She said the Alice Springs Show was a good "friendly environment" for most to start their show careers.
Ms Brown has also had students finish a Certificate III in Rural Operations.
"About 50pc of the Cert III students have gone on to work in the industry," she said.
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Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
