In a Nutshell IAN Spring 2023 FINAL | Page 16

A new program is giving Northern Mallee students a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in the almond industry
INDUSTRY NEWS

From the classroom to the orchard

Students learn about the career pathways available right across the almond industry , from the orchard to the lab , processing facilities and beyond .

A new program is giving Northern Mallee students a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in the almond industry

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THE Almond Board of Australia is
Some time is spent engaging in
supporting an initiative that gives
activities at the farm and learning
secondary school aged students in
in the classroom , but participants
Victoria ’ s Northern Mallee region
also get the opportunity to tour local
an opportunity to learn more about
horticulture properties , nurseries ,
the career pathways and modern
research laboratories , processing
technology being used in the
facilities , smart farms and other
horticulture sector .
related sites .
Chaffey Secondary College , Mildura
Pieter Van Zyl and Jane Finch from
Specialist School , Irymple Secondary
Select Harvests and Dr Zelmari
College , Merbein P-10 College and
Coetzee from Agriculture Victoria ’ s
Red Cliffs Secondary College are
SmartFarm have helped shine a light
involved in the Northern Mallee
on the almond industry .
Horticulture Immersion Program
Chaffey Secondary College student
( NMHI Project ).
Destiny French said she has enjoyed
As part of the nine-week program ,
being involved in the program .
students attend the Chaffey
“ One of the highlights for me was
Secondary College farm on Fridays
going to the almond visit and getting
each week .
to know about the hulling and
In A Nutshell - Spring 2023 Vol 24 Issue 3
different types of almonds ,” she said . The Year 10 student said out of all the careers that were explored during the NMHI Project , being an agronomist looked the most appealing . Chaffey Secondary College ’ s executive principal Graeme Forrester said the economic impact the horticulture industry has in Sunraysia is significant . “ It ’ s supporting every single person in this district ,” he said . Mr Forrester said it was important to showcase the technology and skills that are needed to grow high quality crops . “ A few years ago , the National Skills Commission indicated it was probably one of the fastest growing industries ,