A PARTNERSHIP between Tocal Agricultural College and Nambucca Valley-based youth support organisation ShoreTrack has facilitated a group of young students graduating with a Certificate II in Rural Operations.
The partnership, which has been going since 2023, has seen 19 students complete the vocational qualification which is tailored to align with Shoretrack’s hands-on learning activities, including rural fencing, welding, quad bike, and livestock handling skills.
The 12 month program is available to school leavers aged 16 and over and is delivered onsite at ShoreTrack’s workshop with two, week-long blocks of training delivered at Tocal Agricultural College.
Director of Education at Tocal College, Darren Bayley, said the latest cohort of graduates highlights the strength of the ShoreTrack model and the effectiveness of Tocal College’s industry-relevant training.
“We see students come in with limited confidence and leave with real skills and a clear direction,” he said.
“This qualification isn’t just about farming – it’s about building resilience, teamwork, and responsibility, which can be life-changing for disengaged youth.
“Our partnership with ShoreTrack is about creating real opportunities for young people who’ve disengaged from traditional schooling.
“By combining Tocal’s practical agricultural training with ShoreTrack’s wraparound support, we’re giving these students not just a Certificate II in Rural Operations, but a pathway to employment, confidence, and a sense of belonging.”
Based in Macksville, ShoreTrack is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to creating opportunities and pathways for young people at risk of leaving school early.
Students attend ShoreTrack’s facilities during school hours, where they develop a variety of practical skills to prepare them for employment or further education.
ShoreTrack CEO and Co-founder Jill Ashley believes the success of the collaboration lies in a deep understanding of the needs of young people who have disengaged from traditional learning and are seeking practical, hands-on training that prepares them for work in the trades.
“When you combine this with strong employability skills, clear workplace expectations – developed through ShoreTrack’s programs in the Macksville Industrial Estate – and accredited training delivered by experienced, dedicated trainers, it becomes a winning combination for young people.”
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