WOMEN are being encouraged to sign up to one of the numerous agriculture courses on offer at TAFE as interesting and vocational opportunities for working in the industry abound.

According to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) the future of farming in Coffs Harbour involves boosting the number of women in the industry and it is TAFE NSW that is keenly skilling this new workforce.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

NFF president Fiona Simson, the first female president in the organisation’s 40-year history, said their goal was to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks by 2030.

“We want to see more meaningful change toward gender diversity in the agricultural sector and we know that TAFE NSW is playing an integral role in helping to attract female students and train the next generation of women in the industry.”

TAFE NSW provides women with pathways into a range of agribusiness careers, reporting 47 percent female enrolments in agribusiness courses.

Bonville local Debbie Perrott completed a Certificate III in Performance Horse at TAFE NSW Taree and is working towards a career as a farrier.

Debbie is passionate about horse rehabilitation and has rehabilitated her own retired racehorse.

“I have always had a passion for horses, and I didn’t realise how much there was to learn about agriculture until I started studying at TAFE NSW.

“The course was hugely valuable, the TAFE NSW teachers had real industry experience to pass on as they had all worked in the agricultural sector themselves.”

TAFE NSW Agribusiness Head Teacher Geoff Turner said as NSW’s leading provider of vocational education and training, TAFE NSW was uniquely positioned to arm women with the hands-on, practical skills they need to develop successful careers.

“There are so many opportunities to make a difference in a rewarding agricultural career, and our skills-based courses allow women to hit the ground running in local industries and stay living and working in regional areas,” Geoff said.

“Many of our agricultural sectors across NSW are experiencing major skills shortages, so there is currently an opportunity to choose from a diverse range of careers.”

TAFE NSW offers basic skill sets in practical skills including shearing and tractor operations through to advanced farm management qualifications such as the Diploma of Agriculture.

Vet nursing and animal care, wool classing, winemaking, horticulture and landscaping, livestock farming, food production, and cropping are just some of the other careers women can choose.

For more information on TAFE courses visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

By Andrea FERRARI