FEMALE students had a taste of career options within the agribusiness sector at Edenhope College’s inaugural Girls in Gumboots agriculture day on Thursday.
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Edenhope College invited students from neighbouring schools including Goroke P-12 College and Balmoral Community College to attend.
Teacher Robyne Rainsford said students were able to explore diverse pathways into the industry. She said positive feedback was received.
“The careers day allowed the female students to become more aware of the different pathways they can take if interested in a career in the agriculture field,” she said.
Ms Rainsford said the careers day opened new doors for the female students to pursue.
She said the day highlighted that a career in agriculture would not restrict them to the region.
“Agriculture is a worldwide career that can take them all around the world in many different ways, which they previously were not aware of,” she said.
Girls in Gumboots gave students from year seven to 10 access to hands-on workshops and presentations from regional women working in agriculture.
The range of fields included agronomy, rural journalism, veterinary practice, wool classing, farm consulting and planning, hydroponics as well as agricultural scientists from the Grains Innovation Park.
Year seven student Kate Ellis said she was interested to learn how to become a diesel mechanic.
“I enjoyed listening to the female diesel mechanic and what her traineeship involved,” she said.
Year seven student Rachael Maddern said she gained insight on what went on behind the scenes when operating a farm.
“I learnt what it takes to own your own farm and how easily the money is spent on sheep – drenching, shearing, feeding, it all adds up,” she said.
Edenhope College principal Jon Neall said there was an under representation of women in the farming industry.
“The day was a response to a lack of student awareness about the wide variety of career opportunities available in the industry both in practical and academic fields,” he said.
Mr Neall said the college was proud to recognise and support the region’s agribusiness industry.