From the general manager's desk

Muresk Institute hit the ground running in 2021 with full time courses returning to near normal after COVID-19 constraints. As always, we continue to work with industry to raise the profile of agriculture as a viable and valued career option. The opportunities for school leavers and experienced farmers to up skill have expanded and we have seen strong enrolment numbers in industry driven short courses so far this year, with a particular focus on regenerative agriculture.

We also celebrated the first cohort of Curtin’s two-year Associate Degree in Agribusiness graduating in February, and wish all graduates well on their future career journeys.

This newsletter highlights the exciting projects and events Muresk have in store so far for 2021.

Applications now open for WAFarmers Bootcamp to Employment
Muresk expands to support training 200 apprentices annually
Welcome to trainee Krystle
Kickstart your ag career with FREE* skill sets
Back to school with RuralBiz
Our focus on sustainable agriculture

We have a diverse range of courses scheduled over the next month, covering topics such as sustainable and climate resilient farming, chainsaw operation, livestock handling and beekeeping.

To keep up with news as it happens I invite you to like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram and visit our website.

Prue Jenkins
General Manager, Muresk Institute

Applications now open for WAFarmers Bootcamp to Employment!

Are you willing to live and work in a regional town?The farm mechanisation industry needs YOU!

The intensive three-day program is designed for school leavers and young people, to give you the skills you need to get a job in the agricultural machinery sector.

The WAFarmers Bootcamp to Employment runs from 13 – 15 July 2021.

APPLY NOW

Muresk expands to support training 200 apprentices annually

Exciting news! Work has commenced on the new $7.5 million Specialist Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (the Centre) to train farm machinery technicians in new and emerging technologies.

As the rate of technology adoption escalates, the demand for agricultural machinery apprentices is expected to grow significantly. The Centre will have capacity to train 200 apprentices annually to support WA as Australia’s largest grain-growing region.

The contract for construction of the Centre has been awarded to Pindan Constructions, with the Industry Reference Group made up of leaders from the agricultural mechanisation sector informing the design and ongoing operations. We will provide regular updates as the project progresses.

Muresk welcomes trainee Krystle

Trainee Krystle recently joined the team at Muresk, assisting with a wide range of roles, including helping students with accommodation requirements, providing great customer service, helping with campus maintenance and collecting equipment.

Krystle says, “Although I have only been at Muresk for a short while, I have been involved in many different tasks and the team have been extremely helpful at every step. I am excited to see what else may come from this opportunity.”

**Kickstart your ag career with FREE* skill sets**

Our ongoing priority is supporting industry to address labour shortages by offering a range of FREE* and fee reduced skill sets. These are part of the State Government’s $25 million Recovery Skill Sets package being rolled out through both TAFE Colleges and private training providers.

*Eligibility criteria applies.

FREE* Broadacre Seeding Operations skill set

If you are interested in working on a broadacre farm and getting a head start in a career in agriculture, this skill set is for you!

FIND OUT MORE

Back to school with RuralBiz

RuralBiz have partnered with Muresk this year to offer two course options, tailored to both school leavers and experienced farmers.

The Diploma of Agriculture exposes new entrants to a broad range of practical skill development and allows students to engage in industry activities over a 12 month period.

The Diploma of Agribusiness Management offers experienced agricultural workers guided online training, supported by skilled trainers and online resources.

Both courses are delivered in a blended learning format, designed for participants to learn through a combination of study and integrated engagement with industry.

Semester 2 kicks off in June. View the RuralBiz flyer for more information.

Our focus on sustainable agriculture

The Mulloon Institute are heading to WA this June and will collaborate with Muresk to commence a regenerative agriculture research project led by Lance Mudgway, with workshops on offer from July 2021.

The research project aims to plan and implement landscape rehydration to restore landscape function on four Western Australian properties. This is a game changer for regenerative agriculture in WA and Muresk are thrilled to be a demonstration site for this exciting project.

The Mulloon Institute (based in NSW) is a leading research, education and advocacy organisation committed to building resilient rural and regional communities by supporting the long term, sustainable growth of Australian agriculture.