Excited students and teachers from across NSW were recognised at a Cows Create Careers presentation day.
The presentation day celebrates the achievements of students who have completed the innovative project that aims to increase the awareness of dairy industry careers in a very hands-on way: students rear and care for two three-week-old calves at their school.
Students and teachers from schools across NSW participated in a high-energy cloud-based event to celebrate their achievements as part of the project.
The fun-filled day saw students participate in industry-based games and the project's winning teams awarded prizes.
Jaydee Events director John Hutchison said it was encouraging to see students so passionate to learn, and connect with, Australia's vibrant dairy industry.
"The presentation day is a great way to recognise and celebrate both the students' and teachers' dedication to Cows Create Careers," he said.
"Each year we continue to be inspired by their enthusiasm for the project."
For three-weeks schools are provided with dairy industry curriculum at no cost through the program.
A local dairy farmer teaches the students how to care for the calves, while an Industry advocate visits the students to speak about their career pathway in the dairy industry.
Throughout the project students form teams to complete assessments based on the dairy industry.
"Cows Create Careers allows students learn about the wide range of skills, educational pathways and careers in Australia's dairy industry," Mr Hutchison said.
"It's extremely encouraging to see the ongoing benefits of the project; not only are the students learning about the diversity of skills required in the industry, but it also directly connects them to their local community."
Cows Create Careers was established in 2004 with dairy farmers in the Strzelecki Lions Club in Victoria and nine Gippsland schools.
It has now grown to 230 schools across Australia with 14,000 students completing the project in 2020.
READ MORE: Cows help students to create careers
Mr Hutchison said the project's passionate volunteers were vital to the continued success of Cows Create Careers.
"Since its inception Cows Create Careers has gained support from industry, regional development programs, dairy farmers and sponsors across Australia," he said.
"Last year alone 362 volunteers gave 1,810 hours of their time across 23 Australian dairying regions.
"They speak to the students about their experiences in the industry, support student career decision making, and have important links to education and employment sectors.
"These are invaluable connections for the students, and a lot of students maintain these links after completing the project."
During 2021 the project is locally funded by Dairy Australia, Dairy NSW, Subtropical Dairy and receives additional support across the state from local companies MaxCare, Mid Coast Connect, IMB Community Bank, Vella Stockfeeds, Norco Rural, Dasco, Daviesway, Skellerup and Peach Teats, who have continued to support the project in the South Coast, Central, Far Coast, Mid Coast, Hunter Valley and Lismore NSW regions.
The presentation day recognised schools from the NSW regions - including Macleay Valley Workplace Learning Centre, Hastings Secondary College - Westport Campus, Great Lakes College - Forster Campus, Melville High School, Hastings Secondary College - Port Macquarie Campus and Kempsey High School.
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