Amia and Karen explore future agriculture careers through a Career Taster

Year 10 Centenary Heights State High School student, Amia, joined the program to build on her passion for working with animals and gain insight into the industry.

“When I get out of school, I want to be a livestock vet,” Amia said.

Designed specifically for Queensland Year 10 students, Career Tasters provide a chance to test drive different career areas through short, hands-on learning experiences, helping students discover what inspires them without committing to a specific pathway.

For Amia, whose background includes growing up on a dairy property and spending time on large cattle stations, the experience has been a natural extension of her interests.

“It interested me because of the animal care side of it, and it was the closest I could get to what I want to do in the future,” she said.

For Amia, this hands-on learning has also been a standout aspect.

“The thing I’ve liked the most about TAFE is the hands-on experience… at school we wouldn’t be able to come in and do this,” she said.

Karen, a Year 10 Toowoomba State Hight School student with a growing interest in agriculture, said the same approach has helped her thrive.

“I learn best when I’m hands-on… I’ve learned a lot more here than I do sitting in a classroom,” she said.

Throughout the Agriculture, Animals and Plants Career Taster, students explore a range of pathways in agriculture, animals and plants, gaining experience in areas such as small and domestic animal care, large animal handling and maintenance, and exposure to science, horticulture, landscaping and land care, providing insight into the many career opportunities on offer.

One of the key benefits of the program is helping students make informed decisions about their future study and career pathways.

“Honestly, at the start of the year I never thought of taking this course… I thought I was going into childcare,” Karen said.

But after taking part in the Agriculture, Animals and Plants Career Taster, her direction became much clearer.

“I feel so much more comfortable here… this is what I feel at home doing,” Karen explained.

For Amia, that sense of connection has been just as valuable as the practical skills.

“It’s making new friends… meeting people from different schools and backgrounds has opened me up to different pathways,” she said.

Karen described the learning environment as supportive and encouraging.

“They work with you… they make sure you feel comfortable and have the best experience possible,” she said.

While Career Tasters do not result in a formal qualification, they are designed to help students take the next step, whether that’s choosing senior subjects, enrolling in a TAFE at School course, or pursuing further training.

And both Amia and Karen are already planning their futures.

Amia is preparing to undertake a Certificate II in Rural Operations (AHC21216) building on the skills she has developed, while Karen is planning to continue studying agriculture and livestock while gaining further industry experience.

“I would definitely recommend it… it opens you up to new opportunities and experiences,” Amia said.

“It shows you what the career will really be like… and helps you find what suits you,” Karen agreed.

Career Tasters is a joint initiative of the Australian Government and Queensland Government.

Amia is enjoying working with animals and gaining insight into the industry.