Diploma of Agriculture graduate Jone Kautia (right) with his wife and son. Photo: Supplied.
Thirteen students graduated from the Yanco campus of the rural industries-focused Tocal College with a farming qualification on Thursday (20 March).
Five students completed the Diploma of Agriculture, delivered fully online over two years. Six young people from the Rural Traineeship Program at Tocal College Yanco Campus graduated with a Certificate III in Agriculture. The remaining two students graduated from the Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management in the Indigenous Land Management Field.
One of the diploma graduates, Jone Kautia, emigrated to Australia from Fiji and has worked in supervisory positions in citrus production in the Riverina.
He has been involved in recruiting and supervising workers in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Jone holds a Diploma in Primary Teaching from Fiji and completed a wide range of skills training courses prior to commencing his Diploma of Agriculture, which included completion of the Plan 2 Profit farm financial management course.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Rural Development Manager for Education Delivery, Julie White, said this year’s graduates showcased the college’s diverse range of qualifications on offer.
“This year, Tocal College celebrates the graduation of five students who have completed the Diploma of Agriculture, delivered fully online over two years,” Ms White said.
“The flexibility of online delivery allows students to study at their own pace, ensuring they receive a high-quality education that directly benefits their work in the field.
“The online format of the Diploma of Agriculture is ideal for those already working in the agricultural industry, enabling them to enhance their skills while balancing work and study.”
In 2024, the Yanco campus played a key role in delivering training across the state, with Tocal College reaching 2929 participants through 443 courses at 91 locations. A significant portion of this training was coordinated from the Riverina campus.
The Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management in the Indigenous Land Management Field was part of a statewide program delivered in partnership with Local Land Services and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
Ms White said this program was greatly important to the state and had equipped 25 Aboriginal rangers with nationally recognised qualifications in cultural burning and environmental conservation.
“The training of Aboriginal rangers is vital for ensuring the continuation of traditional knowledge, while also aligning with modern regulatory requirements,” Ms White said.
“The program, delivered in Glen Innes and Tamworth in 2024, has made a significant impact on both the professional development of rangers and the health of the land they manage.”
The Certificate III in Agriculture program places trainees across a diverse range of agricultural enterprises, including cropping, livestock farming, egg production, and apple orchards.
“Whether it’s for new entrants to the workforce or individuals looking to upskill, Tocal College is proud to offer a variety of training opportunities that support the agriculture and land management sectors in NSW,” Ms White said.
Please visit Tocal College for more information.
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