Gateway to Ag Industry opens for schools

01 February 2025
Agriculture teacher helping students with robot coding.JPG
CQUniversity Project Officer for Agri-Tech Education Lilly Stoyles shows students how technology can be used in agriculture

By Mary Bolling

The future of agribusiness is set for a classroom-based boost, and Queensland schools can apply now to be part of the transformation. 

The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project connects secondary schools with agriculture leaders and creates real-world learning experiences and career pathways in the vital industry.

Applications are open now, and close Monday 24 March, with successful schools announced on Tuesday 22 April – learn more and apply now at the Agribusiness Gateway website.

The program also delivers specialist training to teachers, equipping them to support students who want to work in the plethora of roles in our primary industries. 

Schools selected for the Gateway program will receive dedicated guidance from the project team and industry partners, to integrate agriculture into curriculum and create ongoing partnerships with local agriculture industries. 

As the new provider for the Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools project, CQUniversity is working with AgForce Queensland, AgriFutures Australia, and the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association (QATA) to recruit 15 schools to the program in 2025.

Associate Professor Amy Cosby is a Principal Fellow with CQUniversity’s Agri-tech Education and Extension team, and said the project is a game-changer for young people.

“We’re very excited at CQU to be leading this initiative, and to be supporting teachers and students to connect with agriculture,” she 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 Gateways to Industry Schools Project means we can supercharge those opportunities for Queensland.”

Louise Nicholas from the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association (QATA) is excited about the expanded opportunities for Queensland teachers to connect with industry.

“As a teacher with industry connections, I see firsthand the benefits for my students when they engage with their local agricultural community,” she said.

“I’d really encourage high schools right across the state to apply now, and use this as an opportunity to build or establish their networks, whilst getting hands-on guidance and support from the project team.” 

Participant schools will each receive $2,500 to support new initiatives with local agricultural industry and incorporate new resources including ag-tech in the classroom. 

Professional development opportunities for teachers will also guide schools to better support school-based traineeships and apprenticeships for students. 

The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project is managed by CQUniversity, and funded by the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training, delivered in partnership with AgriFutures Australia, the Queensland Agriculture Teachers Association and AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program.

Learn more and apply for your school or teachers to participate at the Agribusiness Gateway website.

Dr Jaime Manning handles a calf next to a group of school students.