Universities in agreement to boost agriculture skills

Agricultural skills in WA should receive a boost, after memoranda of understandings were signed by the Liberal National Government this week.

Deputy Premier and Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey said the memoranda between Muresk Institute and Curtin and Murdoch universities would open the door for greater sharing of resources, facilities and expertise.

“The MoUs detail the commitment of all parties to work together to build the capacity of the State’s agricultural industries through research and development and higher education,” she said. “They will support the agricultural sector through teaching and research activities and facilitate opportunities to benefit students.

“This could include sharing industry-specific expertise for training, workshops and seminars held at Muresk Institute.”

Among their key objectives, the MoUs will provide formal pathways for courses delivered at Muresk Institute, such as the Integrated Diploma Program, to relevant undergraduate degree programs at the universities.

Ms Harvey said the MoUs would also allow the universities to access the institute’s working farm and facilities to give students experience relevant to their undergraduate programs and to host familiarisation tours for international students.

In addition, the universities will be given access to the site to carry out research projects for postgraduate and PhD students.

“These new alliances will complement existing partnerships Muresk Institute has developed to boost agricultural skills development,” Ms Harvey said. “Our focus is to improve the perception of agriculture and agribusiness careers, while ensuring industry-relevant training is delivered to help meet the demand for skilled workers.”