Bringing real-world agriculture into classrooms
A CQUniversity-led project helping build Queensland’s future agricultural workforce is being showcased at Parliament House this week, as industry and education leaders look to strengthen career pathways for young people across the state.
The Gateway to Industry Schools program is supported and funded by the Queensland Government to build partnerships between schools and industry that enable young people to acquire the knowledge, skills and attributes to participate effectively in the Queensland economy.
The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project connects schools with industry and equips teachers with the tools to introduce students to the wide range of careers in agriculture.
The project is delivered in partnership with AgriFutures Australia, the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association (QATA) and AgForce’s School to Industry Partnership Program.
As the project expands, CQU is launching a free statewide webinar series for teachers, designed to bring real-world agriculture into classrooms and strengthen industry engagement.
Professor Amy Cosby said showcasing the project at Parliament highlighted the growing importance of building a skilled agricultural workforce for Queensland’s future.
“Queensland’s agriculture sector is a powerhouse for our economy, but like many industries, it relies on a strong pipeline of skilled workers coming through,” Amy said.
“Many young people don’t yet understand the breadth of careers available, from technology and science to business and sustainability.
“If we want to secure the future of the industry, it starts in the classroom.
“That’s why we’re supporting teachers with practical tools, industry connections and real-world examples that help bring agriculture to life for students.”
From beef production to horticulture, Queensland’s agriculture industry spans more than 100 commodities and thousands of businesses, highlighting the breadth of career opportunities available to young people.
The new teacher professional development webinar series will connect educators directly with industry experts and experienced teachers, offering practical strategies to embed agriculture across curriculum areas and year levels.
The first session, Ask an expert – All things poultry for your school farm, will be held on 30 March, followed by How to start and integrate agriculture in your school on 28 April.
Each session includes a live Q&A, giving teachers the opportunity to gain tailored advice and share ideas with peers across Queensland.
Amy said strengthening connections between schools and industry was key to ensuring students are aware of future opportunities.
“By bringing industry into the classroom, we’re helping students see agriculture as a modern, innovative and rewarding career path,” Amy said.
“We’re giving teachers direct access to industry professionals and up-to-date knowledge that may not be available locally.
“For many schools, particularly in urban areas, this builds confidence in teaching agriculture and connects learning to real career pathways.”
The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project introduces students to diverse career opportunities in agriculture while supporting teachers to deliver engaging, curriculum-aligned programs.
Educators can register for the free webinar series via the Agribusiness Gateway website https://www.agribusinessgateway.com.au
