Tocal College in the Hunter Valley held its annual graduation day recently. More than 550 people attended to see the presentation of awards to graduates from a range of courses in agriculture, horse husbandry, dairying and conservation and land management.

Presenting the awards was Professor Nicholas Saunders, vice chancellor of the University of Newcastle.

Professor Saunders gave the occasional address and encouraged students to pursue their passion saying agriculture was one of the most exciting careers available to them.

One of the graduates was local student Luke Carter of Nyngan who completed a Certificate IV in Agriculture at the college in 2008.

The course prepares graduates for careers on the land. Most Tocal graduates work in the livestock or cropping industries or in other rural businesses such as Stock and Station Agencies.

According to College Deputy Principal, Mr Bill Kinsey, demand for graduates has never been greater.

“This high demand for graduates and strong industry involvement in our courses has resulted in very good enrolments at Tocal,” Mr Kinsey said.

“College students find positions on farms and rural businesses throughout NSW and Queensland. We also field enquiries and place students on large pastoral properties in North Queensland, Northern Territory and New Zealand,” he said.

“There are some very good jobs available for trained people and Tocal continues to attract large numbers of students from NSW and other states.”

A number of graduates in recent years were farmers and indigenous land managers who have received an award through the college’s Skills Recognition Program. Through this program experienced farmers and managers can gain credit for skills gained on the job during their careers.

This recognition can result in them qualifying for a Certificate or Diploma without having to undertake years of study.

“The 2009 graduation day at Tocal shows the great diversity of people receiving qualifications in agriculture and related areas,” Mr Kinsey said.

“Tocal, which is operated by NSW DPI, continues to provide highly relevant and specialised training for Australia’s rural industries. The need for this training and skills recognition is greater than ever when Australia has to compete in a global economy.”