UQ Skills

Congratulations to the Women in Agriculture graduates of our Farm Business Management Skill Set.

The course built their capability in developing and implementing family business structures and relationships, creating and reviewing business plans, monitoring business performance and managing risk, to apply their knowledge in agricultural operations across Queensland.

A massive thank you to the Queensland Government and Regional Development Australia Ipswich & West Moreton Inc for creating opportunities for women to upskill in the agricultural sector, Jim McDonald MP, Member for Lockyer, Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Tanya Milligan, Somerset Regional Council Mayor, Jason Wendt, and Locker Valley Regional Councillors, Sally Jess and Anthony Wilson, for their unwavering support.

Find out more about the Women in Agriculture initiative: https://bit.ly/3PqQpF9

Learn more about the Farm Business Management Skill Set: https://bit.ly/4tRubLz

UQ Skills Trainer, Mark Taylor, has been named a VET Trainer of the Year finalist at this year's Queensland Training Awards for the Darling Downs South West region.

Mark delivers the Diploma of Agriculture and Diploma of Agribusiness Management and is recognised for his student-centred approach, passion for the agriculture industry and strong connections with employers and industry partners.

We're proud to have Mark as part of the UQ Skills team and grateful for the impact he has on our students and the wider agricultural community.

UQ Skills alumna, Shale Sutherland, has been named a Vocational Student of the Year finalist in this year's Queensland Training Awards – Darling Downs South West Region.

After leaving a successful career in sales to pursue agriculture, Shale completed a Diploma of Agriculture and Diploma of Agribusiness Management in 2025.

She’s already making a strong contribution to her community and the agricultural industry, and this recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication she’s shown throughout her journey.

Congratulations, Shale, on this well-deserved achievement.

Diploma of Equine Management (ACM50421) 🐴🐎

Ready to expand your skills and deepen your knowledge of horses and the equine industry?

Enrol in the Diploma of Equine Management with UQ Skills, mid-year intake commencing 13 July 2026 at UQ Gatton.

What You Will Learn:
✅Welfare, behaviour, and education
✅Health, nutrition, and fitness
✅Breeding
✅Team Leadership
✅Business Management

How You Will Learn:
- In-person classes at UQ Gatton’s world-class facilities (Monday to Wednesday)
- Online assessments including exams, reports, oral assessments, and practical demonstrations

**VET Student Loans (VSL) now available for this program - (VET equivalent of HECS)**

Apply Now: https://uqskills.uq.edu.au/programs/animal-veterinary-care/diploma-equine-management

We're proud to support The University of Queensland and the International Testing Agency, the UNESCO-recognised organisation behind anti-doping at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, to provide specialised training that will help build the workforce needed for Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

As part of this partnership, UQ students, staff, alumni and approved partners receive discounted access to a range of internationally recognised clean sport and anti-doping courses including:

- International Chaperone training
- Anti-Doping in Sport Foundations course
- International Clean Sport Educator course
- Doping Control Officer training
- International Blood Collection Officer training
- International Doping Control Officer training

Whether you're looking to enter the sport integrity sector or expand your expertise in clean sport, these courses provide a pathway into roles that are critical to major sporting events around the world.

Learn more: https://uqskills.uq.edu.au/programs/sport

In Year 11, I completed the Certificate II in Rural Operations with UQ Skills, and the Certificate III in Rural Operations in Year 12.

I learned practical skills in animal handling, livestock handling, operating tractors, side-by-side driving and chemical handling.

The courses were hands on, which meant that I got to learn by doing. That made a huge difference for me, considering I didn’t come from an agricultural background.

I was able to see and use the campus facilities, meet students and get a real experience of UQ student life – it was great.

It was actually the reason I chose to study my undergraduate degree at UQ.

***

Paton Turner is a second year Bachelors of Agribusiness / Agricultural Science student at UQ Gatton.

Read more about her journey from UQ Skills to UQ: https://bit.ly/3Qdiss8

Join us for UQ Skills Open Day on Thursday 9 July from 9am - 3pm at UQ Gatton and engage in interactive workshops in animal care, agriculture, health, business and sport to make an informed decision about your future.

Learn more: https://uqskills.uq.edu.au/experience-uqskills

Interested in a future in sport?

We're hosting Future Champions: Sport Experience Day at UQ Gatton on Tuesday 7 July from 9am - 2pm.

The event explores sport technology, sustainability, coaching and testing in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

It's your chance to learn more about study and career opportunities to launch a rewarding future in this exciting industry.

Register to attend: https://bit.ly/42rJleu

This event is delivered by UQ Skills in partnership with The University of Queensland Office of 2032 Games Engagement, and with support from McCullough Robertson.

I grew up in a very rural environment surrounded by animals from as early as I can remember.

It was a natural path for me to pursue veterinary nursing.

Being able to help animals and people in their time of need was what made the job so rewarding.

When I started a family, I began to transition into education, joining UQ Skills (then G-VEC) as a trainer and assessor while still working part-time in industry.

As the organisation grew, I got more involved in the coordination side of things.

Now, 16 years later, I am excited to keep evolving, embracing new ideas and supporting our students to achieve their goals. That’s what it’s all about.

***

Dianne Palmer, affectionately known as Di, is Academic Program Manager with UQ Skills.

Read about Di's journey: https://bit.ly/4dAo2g3

We just launched the first intake of our Farm Business Management Skill Set at UQ Gatton for participants of the Women in Agriculture initiative.

Delivered in partnership with Regional Development Australia Ipswich & West Moreton Inc, the program supports women seeking work in agriculture and women in the industry looking to upskill, with digital and technical agricultural knowledge and skills to prepare for rewarding careers in one of Australia's most vital sectors.

The group were welcomed by UQ Gatton Campus Director, Susan Frost, Regional Development Australia Ipswich & West Moreton Inc (RDAIWM) CEO, Rees Banks, RDAIWM Project Manager, Janne Dipple, and UQ Skills Trainer, Matt Brown.

We look forward to following the learning and career journeys of the program participants.

Find out more about the Women in Agriculture initiative: https://bit.ly/3PqQpF9

Learn more about the Farm Business Management Skill Set: https://bit.ly/4tRubLz