For Bachelors of Agribusiness / Agricultural Science student, Paton Turner, a passion for agriculture was sparked in her teens and nurtured through the UQ Skills high school programs that helped build her capability.
“I was born in South Africa and moved to Australia in 2008,” Paton says.
“We lived in the Glass House Mountains on the Sunshine Coast where my parents had a small acreage with chickens, bees and a veggie patch, but I didn’t really come from an agricultural background.
"I discovered an interest in agriculture while studying agricultural science at Glasshouse Christian College.
“It was actually a high school teacher who really inspired me.
“Her class introduced me to agriculture and I really loved it.”
In Year 11, Paton completed the Certificate II in Rural Operations with UQ Skills, and the Certificate III in Rural Operations in Year 12, as part of the UQ Skills at School programs funded through the Queensland Government VET in Schools initiative offered to eligible high school students.
“I learned practical skills in animal handling, livestock handling, operating tractors, side-by-side driving and chemical handling — a bit of everything.
“The courses were hands on, which meant that I got to learn by doing.
“That made a huge difference for me, considering I didn’t come from an agricultural background.”
The programs were mostly delivered at Paton’s high school, with practical workshops held at UQ Gatton monthly.
“The practical workshops on campus were great because they gave me the chance to experience what it was like to be a UQ student before I finished high school.
“I was able to see and use the campus facilities, meet students and get a real experience of UQ student life – it was great.
“It was actually the reason I chose to study my undergraduate degree at UQ.”
Alongside her degree, Paton is also making the most of additional opportunities such as the UQ School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability’s Agriculture Upskilling Courses, offering eligible Year 2 to 4 undergraduate students $2,000 of free short courses with UQ Skills.
“The safe use of machinery courses will be really helpful for me, because they align with what I want to do in my career.
“The courses on offer are great because they’re hands on and build skills that you can apply in many different areas.”
Looking ahead, Paton is excited to build a career in the industry.
“I’d love to work in animal agriculture and continue to develop myself.
“But for now, I’m happy with where I am, and am thankful for the journey I’ve been on.”
Explore agriculture and rural operations programs with UQ Skills.
