From classroom to career: Future Force opens doors to agriculture

By Lucy Stafford

Rural and regional Queensland secondary students with an interest in agriculture are being encouraged to take the first step towards an exciting future in the industry, with applications now open for the CQUniversity 2026 Future Force Ag Intensive School.

Delivered by CQUniversity's Agri-tech Education and Extension team within the Institute for Future Farming Systems, the free program is offered in partnership with the AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program (SIPP) through the School to Work Transitions program, which is funded by the Queensland Government.

Open to Queensland students in Years 10 to 12 aged 15 years and over, the program will provide hands-on agricultural training, industry exposure and valuable career insights to help participants explore future study and employment opportunities.

The Ag Intensive School will be delivered in Rockhampton and Charters Towers in October 2026, with places limited to 40 students at each location. An additional Intensive school will be delivered in Western Queensland in 2027. 

CQUniversity Interim Director of the Institute for Future Farming Systems Professor Amy Cosby said the program was designed to help students discover the diverse and evolving career opportunities available across Queensland's agricultural sector, whilst obtaining a free qualification.

"Many young people are interested in agriculture but don't always realise the breadth of careers available throughout the industry," Prof Cosby said.

"Agriculture today is much more than what many people traditionally picture. From drones and data analytics to animal production, environmental management and agribusiness, there are countless opportunities for young people to build rewarding careers in the sector.

"The Future Force Ag Intensive School is the first offering for this project and it allows students to experience these opportunities firsthand while developing practical skills, industry connections and confidence in their future career choices.

"For many participants, it could be the experience that helps them identify a career pathway they had never previously considered."

Students will undertake nationally recognised chemical safety accreditation, gain exposure to agricultural workplaces and professionals, develop employability skills and build connections that can support future study and career pathways. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Statement of Attainment.

Prof Cosby said initiatives such as Future Force were important for developing the next generation of agricultural professionals.

"Agriculture is one of Queensland's most important industries and there is growing demand for skilled workers across a wide range of fields," Prof Cosby said.

"Programs like this help students build practical skills and confidence while creating stronger connections between education and industry.

"We are proud to partner with AgForce's School to Industry Partnership Program and the Queensland Government to create meaningful opportunities for young Queenslanders while helping support the future workforce needs of the agricultural sector."

AgForce Director Education and Strategic Programs Tanya Nagle said the program was a fantastic opportunity for young people to take their first step towards a future in agriculture.

"Students will gain hands-on experience, industry exposure and a nationally recognised qualification that can open doors to employment opportunities across the agricultural sector," Ms Nagle said. 

"We are particularly proud that AgForce Training will be delivering the chemical safety accreditation component of the program, ensuring participants gain industry-relevant skills and a recognised qualification that employers value.

"Through the AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program, we're committed to creating stronger connections between education and industry, helping young people explore the diverse range of careers available across Queensland agriculture and providing a clear pathway from school into the workforce.

"Programs like Future Force are vital for developing the next generation of agricultural professionals and building the skilled workforce our industry needs for the future."

Future Force is a project under the School to Work Transitions program, which is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

Applications close on Monday 10 August 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit futureforce-agqld.com.