There are three jobs available in agriculture for each university agricultural graduate, according to Â鶹ÊÓƵ of Queensland’s Gatton Campus Director Janelle Zahmel.
The campus this week welcomes more than 450 students starting programs in agriculture, animals, agribusiness and veterinary science, as part of orientation or ‘O-Week’.
Ms Zahmel said there had been a strong interest in agriculture courses this year, which reflected the strong jobs market.
“There are currently three jobs in agriculture for each university graduate,” she said.
“The increased interest in agriculture is very positive as there are promising career prospects in the agriculture industry with competitive salaries.”
There are several new programs including the Queensland Diploma in Agricultural Technologies and new majors in the Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience and Bachelor of Plant and Soil Bioscience.
“It’s a great time of the year when the new students arrive, keen to gain the knowledge they need to pursue their chosen career,” Ms Zahmel said.
During O-Week the students take part in activities that are designed to help them transition into university life.
On Thursday 27 February the students can attend Market Day where clubs, societies, industry groups and local businesses provide students with information on the services and opportunities available to them on and off campus.
Market Day runs from 11.30am – 1.30pm in the Central Walkway.
For information on studying at Â鶹ÊÓƵ visit .
Media: Erin Pearl, Gatton Campus, 07 5460 1229 or e.pearl@uq.edu.au