[Pil-pc-oceania] Australian agriculture suffers uni student shortage (Farmonline)

[Deb Guildner]

Australian agriculture suffers uni student shortage
3/04/2008 4:49:00 PM
A recent study by the Australian Council of Deans of A recent study by the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture has shown that the supply of agriculture graduates to meet new opportunities is falling way behind the demand for such graduates.

The study has shown that there is a market for about 2000 graduates within Australia, but the 12 universities teaching agriculture are only providing about 800 graduates between them a year.

ACDA president, Roger Leigh, said there are predictions for substantial growth in the job market but the number of students choosing an agricultural degree continues to decline and the situation is set to become worse.

"Training in agriculture is so comprehensive and integrative it enables graduates to gain jobs outside agriculture. This leakage also adds to the problem," Professor Leigh said.

One of the problems facing the industry is the often seen negative image portrayed in the media.

"We don't have enough students enrolling in our programs.

"This is unfortunate because agriculture is an exciting and challenging career involving a high degree of technology. 

"There are endless opportunities for agricultural graduates."
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