Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care
From cattle breeding to floristry, to wheat farming, sheep shearing to forestry, this sector is at the heart of Australian culture and history. Horticulture alone is a $7 billion dollar industry and is growing rapidly.
All agricultural and natural resource industries now have a strong focus on environmental and economic sustainability. There are new fields of expertise in organic farming, recycling, land management and water conservation. There is more information on TAFE Western's services to Environment and Conservation on this site.
Increasing demand for skilled professionals ensures that employment opportunities exist now and into the future for those with the right skills and qualifications.
TAFE Western has Rural Skills Centres at Dubbo, Orange and Bathurst, but delivers training across central and western NSW. A partnership with Australian Wool Innovation has placed the Institute as Australia's largest and most significant training provider for shearing and wool handling. Specialist courses are provided in many areas. Agriculture and horticulture production includes Jillaroos and Jackaroo training, Farm Planning and viticulture. Animal studies specialises in animal care, veterinary nursing and companion animal courses. Recognition for prior learning and experience is available for these courses.
Regan Masman from Dubbo was the Primary Industries category winner in Western Institute's 2010 Outstanding Graduating Student Awards. Regan is currently studying Certificate IV in Horticulture and owns her own gardening business with her partner in Dubbo.
