Narrabri’s Russell Stewart and the University of New England’s Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Annabelle Duncan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in relation to the AgriBusiness Careers and Professions (AGCAP) program.
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“AGCAP is making a real difference to young lives and to the agribusiness sector in Northern Inland NSW. It is growing and all involved welcome the formalisation of UNE’s support,” Mr Stewart said.
Professor Duncan said the AGCAP program is in line with UNE’s priorities.
“It’s important for us to not say to a student ‘this is how we do it, you fit with us’, rather ‘how do you need to be educated? What can we do to help you get the skills and qualifications that you need?” she said.
“AGCAP students remain in their community while they study, then work and live in their community after graduation.”
UNE’s support includes covering costs for AGCAP participants who choose to attend the university and undertake a related degree.
The AGCAP program sees participants complete a Certificate III in Agriculture and do one (paid) day of work per week within a partner agribusiness, while completing high school.
The skills they gain along the way are formally recognised.
After school, they can complete a Cert. IV or Advanced Diploma at AGCAP Partner Tocal Agricultural College and onto AGCAP Partner the University of New England.
Previous courses undertaken by AGCAP students means they can take just two years to complete a bachelor degree in AgriFood Systems or a closely related degree.
AGCAP began in Narrabri, when ‘Make It Work Foundation’ volunteers sought to develop a program that would help address the agribusiness labour needs of the region and reduce the flow of quality young people to the major cities.