As part of the Agriculture program at MLMC we are very focused on providing real world opportunities for students. This is achieved not only by offering industry-standard training in both the VCE and now VET pathways but by also securing important links with local industry.
One of our important partnerships is with Yering Station winery. Last month our Year 10 Agriculture and Horticulture and VET Certificate II Agriculture students spent time working at the winery. The work they completed expanded on and framed learning and tasks already undertaken on the school farm and vineyard. This time the work was for real, bunch thinning a premium pinot noir block during early veraison (ripening) to set final crop levels and improve quality. The students enjoyed the responsibility this task offered them and worked very carefully as a team to complete the task. They then learned about mechanical harvesting and grape and wine quality standards.
A number of students are pursuing placements and work experience with school partners as a result of their experiences. MLMC actively pursues these partnerships within the Yarra Valley for our students to expand into. Students that are informed and motivated by experience are now choosing placements in agriculture that they are passionate about. The opportunities in our region are incredible and many of the agriculture careers now available can literally take you around the world.
We look forward to our current students taking the pathways of those before them and entering rewarding careers in agriculture after finding their passion at MLMC. It is a privilege to work with great partners like Yering Station and provide a gateway into the future for so many of our wonderful students.
(Please note: the photos included in this article were taken prior to the Federal Government’s announcement on Sunday 15 March 2020 regarding social distancing.)
