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Agri-tech roadshow delivered in Darwin schools to get students, teachers and parents EXCITED for careers in agriculture

24 October 2022

An educational roadshow has been delivered in Darwin to give students' teachers' and parents a taste of the exciting careers available in the mango industry' as well as introducing them to some of the region's innovative farmers.

EXCITED 4 Careers in Agriculture is a national program targeted at students from Transition to Grade 10 in regional and rural communities. Funded by the Australian Government's National Careers Institute' EXCITED for Agriculture is a joint initiative between CQUniversity and a range of industry partners' including NT Farmers.

The roadshow visited schools in Darwin and surrounding areas and also provided professional development and industry networking to teachers in the region by hosting a PD session at the Northern Australia Development Office (NADO) and industry networking event.

CQUniversity staff Anna Day and Dr Eloise Fogarty led the events and say the aim of roadshow is to inspire students to consider careers in agriculture.

'As part of these roadshows we take students onto farms and show them the wide range of careers that are available' says Dr Fogarty.

The Teacher PD and Networking night is also a key part of the EXCITED 4 Careers in Agriculture initiative.

'Teachers and parents are key influencers in a student's chosen career. Our Teacher PD and Networking night helps to connect teachers and parents with local agriculture professionals and showcases the wide variety of opportunities in agriculture and the future career opportunities that may not have ever been considered before'' shared Dr Fogarty.

Simone Cameron' Director of Regions and Projects at NT Farmers Association says the careers initiative is the perfect opportunity for students to see the wide range of agricultural jobs in their region.

'It's really important for young people to see the variety of local careers available in the mango industry. Whether you want to work inside or outside' on farms or in cities' there are agricultural careers available to suit everybody.'

The EXCITED 4 Careers in Agriculture roadshow took students to the Coastal Plains Research Farm which is managed by the NT Department of Industry' Tourism and Trade (DITT).