A PARTNERSHIP between an educational institution and the dairy industry could help boost training for future and existing dairy workers.
Marcus Oldham College and Dairy Australia have launched a new learning program to support the development of business management capabilities in Australian dairy farming.
A Dairy Learning Plan has been designed to support students through the college's Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) course and to develop dairy specific business management skills.
The course is open to new entrants to the industry and those already working in dairy farming looking to progress their careers in farm management.
Students will undertake an 11-month practical placement on a working dairy farm, as well as complete two years of study at Marcus Oldham College, near Geelong, Vic.
The Marcus Oldham course will provide students with the opportunity to learn from people working across the industry, including dairy farmers and service providers, as well as explore real life farm scenarios and business challenges.
This includes a mixture of face-to-face and technology-enabled learning experiences involving business management and governance workshops, farm visits and work placements, in addition to networking and leadership opportunities including attending the Australian Dairy Conference.
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Marcus Oldham College principal Simon Livingstone said this partnership was a chance to educate the next generation of dairy industry leaders.
"This important partnership is testament to Dairy Australia's commitment to developing strong education opportunities for the industry," he said.
"Marcus Oldham's programs will provide the level of educational outcomes that the industry needs to ensure the next generation of farmers drive productivity in the dairy industry."
DA managing director David Nation said the combination of skills required to run a successful dairy farm was constantly increasing.
"Expertise in business management can often be the deciding factor in whether a farm turns a profit or not," he said.
"Our hope is that this course at Marcus Oldham College will enable people to kickstart their farm management careers and be industry ready upon graduation."
DA's investment in Marcus Oldham College's Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) course includes three scholarships offered each year in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Applicants with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a farm management career in the Australian dairy industry are invited to apply.
Applications are open and close on Friday October 18.
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