| Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman has announced a suite of new agriculture courses are now available at TAFE NSW Moss Vale. TAFE NSW, together with Wingecarribee Shire Council, Southern Highlands Food and Wine Association, Service NSW and Destination Southern Highlands have resolved to offer three new courses, commencing on 20 July. “The Certificate II and III in Agriculture, and the Certificate III in Performance Horse are now available to locals,” Mrs Tuckerman said. “This is a wonderful initiative by TAFE NSW, and the Southern Highlands Key Stakeholders, and a great example of how the community can work together to improve local industry and employment.” While large-scale commercial agriculture had waned in the region in recent decades, an explosion of high-end primary producers – including wineries, truffle farmers, alpaca farmers and nurseries – had seen the value of agriculture production in the Highlands grow to $155 million for 2018-19. Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said while the Certificate I and II in Agriculture would be a launching pad for young locals to enter the agriculture industry, the Certificate III in Performance Horse would support the booming equine industry. “In order to seize on that opportunity, it is critical training pathways are available to locals and the NSW Government, through TAFE NSW, is proud to be providing that,” Mr Lee said. Southern Highlands Food and Wine Association President, Renee Wallace welcomed the new courses and said training the next generation of agricultural and equine industry workers was an important part of the region’s growth strategy. “The potential for agri-tourism here is enormous and ensuring the future workforce have the skills needed is a key part of that,” Ms Wallace said. “Having an education stream that feeds into the increased demand for Highlands food and wine is a no-brainer.” |
TAFE NSW MOSS VALE AGRICULTURE COURSES TO HELP TRAIN HIGHLANDS WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
WENDY TUCKERMAN 