Katherine campus set for influx of rural students

Students from around Australia are about to arrive in Katherine for an intensive training program, which starts at the rural campus next week.

Agricultural and Rural Operations team leader Tim Biggs said about 50 students associated with the Consolidated Pastoral Company were expected for induction on 10 March.

“A lot of them will be from the eastern seaboard, but they’re coming from all over Australia,” Mr Biggs said.

“Most will be new to the Northern Territory cattle industry, but many will have had some exposure to agricultural life.

“Our staff will take them through a range of units relating to cattle and horse handling, basic mechanical skills and other skills to prepare them for the workforce.”

Mr Biggs said that at the completion of the 16-day program, students would work on Consolidated Pastoral Company properties throughout the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

“I expect that most of them will continue with certificate courses as trainees.”

Meanwhile Katherine staff have celebrated the success of Katelin Webster, an outstanding Rural Operations student who won the Education Minister’s Year 11 VET in Schools award at the NT Board of Studies’ annual prize-giving award ceremony in Darwin recently.