Queensland high schools getting on with agribusiness
Fifteen high schools across Queensland have been announced as Agribusiness Gateway to Industry schools as part of a CQUniversity-led project that connects secondary schools with agriculture leaders and creates real-world learning experiences.
As well as offering students mentoring, hands-on learning and career opportunities and pathways, the Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project delivers specialist training to teachers, equipping them to support students who want to work in the growing number of roles that now support primary industries – including school-based traineeships and apprenticeships.
The schools named as Agribusiness Gateway to Industry schools, include:
- Bundaberg North State High School
- Caboolture State High School
- Capella State High School
- Coorparoo Secondary College
- Corinda State High School
- Dakabin State High School
- Dalby State High School
- Emmaus College Jimboomba
- Loganlea State High School
- Mt Larcom State School
- Proserpine State High School
- Rochedale State High School
- St Mary’s College Maryborough
- Stanthorpe State High School
- Toowoomba Grammar School
These schools will receive dedicated guidance during 2025 from the CQU Agri-tech Education and Extension team and industry partners, to integrate agriculture into curriculum and create ongoing partnerships with local agriculture industries.
The schools will also each receive $2,500 to support new initiatives with local agricultural industry and incorporate new resources including AgTech in the classroom
“It is our aim to introduce kids in high school to the industry and to build excitement and interest in agriculture – especially among those from non-farming backgrounds.” – Professor Amy Cosby, Interim Director, CQUniversity's Institute for Future Farming Systems
Interim Director for CQUniversity’s Institute for Future Farming Systems, Professor Amy Cosby said the project team was looking forward to leading the initiative across Queensland.
“We’re very excited at CQU to be leading this initiative, and to be supporting teachers and students to connect with agriculture, an industry vital to the Queensland economy,” Professor Cosby said.
“Our team has a strong track record working with industry and schools across Australia to raise aspirations for careers across the sector, and the Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project means we can supercharge those opportunities for Queensland.
“At CQUniversity, our research-led school programs are designed from evidence gathered from many years of experience working alongside the agricultural industry and the education sector.
“This type of collaboration allows us to build a thorough understanding of workforce attraction, development and retention strategies and design new solutions to ensure the sector is adapting and thriving into the future.
“It is our aim to introduce kids in high school to the industry and to build excitement and interest in agriculture – especially among those from non-farming backgrounds.”
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said it was fantastic to see schools from all over Queensland getting involved in the program.
“The Crisafulli LNP Government is thrilled to back the Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Program. It's all about encouraging more young Queenslanders to dive into rewarding careers in an industry that's been a cornerstone of our state's economy,” Minister Bates said.
“I’m excited to see CQUniversity take this project forward – reaching more students in more schools, promoting career pathways, and supporting a stronger, more resilient agriculture sector.
“This aligns perfectly with the Crisafulli LNP Government's commitment to boosting trade and ensuring our agricultural products reach global markets.”
The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project will officially commence delivery to these schools from 28 April.
As part the project CQUniversity will also develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to assess and monitor student engagement and program impact.
The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project is managed by CQUniversity and funded by the Queensland Government through the Department of Trade, Employment and Training. It is delivered in partnership with AgriFutures Australia, the Queensland Agriculture Teachers Association and AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program.
