The Allan Labor Government is helping more Victorians pursue a career in agriculture through the $50 million Agricultural College Modernisation Program.
New state-of-the-art facilities are now open to students of Longerenong College, one of three of Victoria’s agriculture colleges to benefit from $20 million in funding for upgrades to student accommodation and teaching amenities.
Longerenong College received $6.5 million to construct student accommodation for 45 students. The facility holds both four and seven-bedroom houses with a suite of independent and communal facilities, including a 100-seat conference centre, shared lounge rooms and an outdoor common area.
Longerenong College offers full-time courses in agriculture and agronomy and accommodates between 85 to 110 students, with the majority residing on campus.
The college delivers courses to over 70 apprentices and hosts targeted training events for universities and high schools. In 2023, over 250 high school students attended agriculture immersive camps.
Victoria’s growing food and fibre sector needs more skilled workers with a range of capabilities, including digital, business, risk and marketing skills, to take products to local, domestic and international markets.
The Agricultural College Modernisation Program is delivering on the Labor Government’s 10-year Agriculture Strategy to support the skills of the future and help more Victorians pursue an exciting career in agriculture.
To learn more visit, agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/agriculture-in-victoria/agricultural-college-modernisation-program.
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“We are proud to be investing in our future farmers and the quality of their educational experience by prioritising the modernisation of our great Victorian agricultural colleges.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Longerenong College now boasts state-of-the-art accommodation and facilities that will give our future farmers the right skills to work in Victoria’s thriving agricultural sector.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“This expansion will enhance student learning and ensure more students can live on site and benefit from the full experience of living on-campus.”
Quote attributable to General Manager of Longerenong College Avril Hogan
“The new facilities will provide our current students with a more immersive and enriching on-campus experience while also contributing to the appeal of an agriculture pathway for prospective students.”