Fresh chance to connect Queensland classrooms with agriculture careers
The future of agribusiness is getting a classroom-based boost, and Queensland schools can apply now to help inspire a new generation of leaders in the vital industry.
CQUniversity’s Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project connects secondary students with famers, agri-tech and experts, to create real-world learning experiences and showcase pathways into agriculture careers.
It’s the second time the program has been offered by the CQU Agri-tech Education and Extension team, after schools flocked to participate in 2025.
Each successful school will receive $2,500 to support the creation of new resources, networks, opportunities and tech for agribusiness education.
More importantly, they will have access to the CQU team for 12 months, to facilitate connections, events and activities with the QLD agricultural industry, and advance students aspirations for a career in the sector.
Queensland schools can apply now until Monday 3 November, with successful schools announced on Friday 21 November, to participate across 2026.
Learn more and apply now at the Agribusiness Gateway website.
This year, 15 schools joined the annual program and were provided with specialist support and training to teachers, to integrate agriculture into curriculum, and to create ongoing partnerships with local agriculture industries.
Bundaberg North State High School was among participants, and teacher Tanya Derriman said the program was a game-changer for her students’ career aspirations.
“It's really important for the students to have experiences with industry, engage with them and see what is actually available in their local area,” she said.
“Our students don’t always see how technology driven the agriculture sector is and it isn’t until they step out of the school to see what's possible… the biggest benefit of being an agribusiness gateway school are the industry connections, and having (industry experts) to bounce ideas off.
“Having CQUniversity to facilitate those connections has been instrumental in expanding my networks… I was surprised this year about the willingness of people in agriculture to support me and my students.”
The hands-on program is led by CQU’s Agri-tech Education and Extension team, which delivers a wide range of schools-focused projects to build excitement and interest in agriculture.
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.
“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,” Prof Cosby said.
“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 and this type of collaboration allows us to design new solutions to ensure the sector is adapting and thriving into the future.”
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.
Learn more at the Agribusiness Gateway website.
