Future Force helps 70 Queensland students build careers in agriculture
Seventy Queensland secondary students are one step closer to careers in agriculture after completing the CQUniversity and AgForce QLD Future Force Ag Intensive School, gaining nationally recognised qualifications, industry connections and hands-on experience across two regional Queensland locations.
Delivered in Rockhampton on 12-13 October 2026, and Charters Towers on 8-9 October 2026, the two-day intensive schools brought together Year 10 to 12 students from across the state to complete accredited chemical safety training, visit agricultural businesses and hear directly from industry professionals about careers in one of Queensland's most important industries.
The program was delivered by CQUniversity's Agri-tech Education and Extension team within the Institute for Future Farming Systems in partnership with the AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program (SIPP) through the Queensland Government-funded School to Work Transitions program.
Students completed nationally recognised chemical safety units and received a Statement of Attainment, allowing them to apply for an Agricultural Chemical Distribution Control (ACDC) licence, commonly known as a Chem Cert, helping strengthen their employment prospects in the agricultural sector.
CQUniversity Interim Director of the Institute for Future Farming Systems Professor Amy Cosby said the program was designed to give students practical skills and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available in modern agriculture.
"Agriculture is one of Queensland's largest industries, but many young people don't realise the diversity of careers available or the pathways into them," Amy said.
"Future Force gives students the opportunity to gain recognised training, meet industry professionals and experience the sector firsthand.
"Just as importantly, it helps them build confidence, make connections and see how their interests could translate into rewarding careers in agriculture and agribusiness.
"The enthusiasm shown by students in both Charters Towers and Rockhampton demonstrates there is strong interest in the future of our agricultural industries."
For many students, the intensive school provided their first direct exposure to the breadth of opportunities available across the sector, from livestock production and agribusiness to agricultural technology, research and extension.
Before attending the intensive, Rockhampton student Heidi Futcher said she had little exposure to agriculture, having grown up in suburbia.
“I didn’t know much about agriculture before attending the intensive,” Heidi said.
“I was surprised by how committed producers are to continually improving their processes and practices. It really changed my perception of the industry and showed me how innovative it is.”
Agri-tech Education and Extension Program Lead Dr Jaime Manning said students embraced every aspect of the experience.
"One of the most rewarding parts of the program was seeing students build friendships and networks with others who share an interest in agriculture," Jaime said.
"They heard from industry mentors, visited agricultural operations and gained insights that simply can't be replicated in a classroom.
"The Chem Cert qualification they achieved is valuable, but so too are the industry connections and confidence they developed throughout the program."
The initiative aimed to broaden students' understanding of agriculture, highlighting the wide range of career pathways and innovative industries that exist beyond traditional farming.
Lincoln Blattman, who has been accepted into an agriculture teaching program, said his interest in agriculture grew after being introduced to the subject at school.
“I knew absolutely nothing about agriculture at first,” Lincoln said.
“After moving schools, I was placed in an agriculture class and quickly developed an interest in the industry. I was fortunate to have some great teachers who really sparked that passion.”
Reflecting on the industry visits, Lincoln said seeing agricultural operations firsthand was a highlight.
“It was really interesting to see the sweet potatoes being washed and prepared. The process was like a giant car wash and gave me a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes before produce reaches consumers.”
Lincoln said the experience reinforced his confidence in the future of the industry.
“I feel really positive about the future of agriculture. More young people are getting involved, and there are so many exciting opportunities to make a difference and contribute to the industry's growth.”
AgForce Director Education and Strategic Programs Tanya Nagle said initiatives like Future Force were critical to building the next generation of Queensland's agricultural workforce.
"One of the biggest challenges facing agriculture is ensuring young people understand the incredible diversity of opportunities available to them, and importantly, how they can turn that interest into a career," Ms Nagle said.
"Through AgForce's School to Industry Partnership Program, we're passionate about connecting students with industry, giving them real-world experiences and helping them see a future for themselves in agriculture.
"What makes Future Force particularly valuable is that students aren't just learning about careers – they're gaining nationally recognised skills, building industry connections and taking tangible steps towards their future.
"Partnerships like this with CQUniversity demonstrate what can be achieved when education and industry work together to develop the workforce of tomorrow."
The Future Force Ag Intensive School was created to help young people explore careers in agriculture while developing practical skills and industry knowledge that support the transition from school into further study, training or employment.
Following the success of the program, Future Force will expand into western Queensland, with a Roma intensive school planned for 2027.
Following the success of the program, Future Force will expand into western Queensland, with a Roma intensive school planned for 14 – 16 March 2027.
The Future Force Ag Intensive School is a project under the School to Work Transitions program, proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
