Training and Education
The Australian dairy industry directly employs over 40,000 people. Career options range from farm management and vet services, to food processing and export marketing.
A large variety of TAFE and University courses are available:
TAFE Level Education
A range of courses has been developed to meet the needs of the farm and manufacturing sectors. These courses are aligned to the National Training Framework and Qualifications from Level 1 to Levels 5 and 6. On the job training has been integrated with off the job learning and assessment.
National Centre for Dairy Education (NCDEA)
In 2006, the dairy industry formed the National Centre for Dairy Education (NCDEA) in conjunction with Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE. It's objective is to deliver dairy farming and processing education and training programs across Australia through a network of providers, under the direction of local industry advisory committees.
NCDEA offers a wide range of courses and programs from traineeship level to Diploma - www.ncdea.edu.au.
TAFE Level Training
TAFE institutions offer accredited programs and short courses in logistics, business management, engineering, mechanics, electronics, general food technology and information technology. For further information on available programs contact your local TAFE institute or private provider.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Under the National Training Framework, skills obtained through life learning can be recognised and credited against course requirements – this is called recognition of prior learning. Persons wishing to take advantage of this recognition should discuss the process with the local TAFE institute or private provider.
University and Tertiary Education Courses
A number of Australian universities offer excellent and industry relevant dairy and food related education programs. These include courses at Bachelor, Honours, Graduate Diploma, Masters and PhD level.
Table 1 summarises current programs at undergraduate (UG) and graduate study by coursework offered by Australian universities in dairy / food science, nutrition, supply chain management, agriculture / agribusiness and veterinary science. The programs may change over time so intending students should check with the current information from universities.
Many universities offer programs in business management, marketing, engineering, information technology, marketing and supply chain management. These courses are of interest to different sectors of the industry seeking to recruit graduates. Further information about the courses can be obtained from the homepages of universities.
Most universities offer graduate study programs by coursework for persons wishing to gain in depth knowledge in particular study areas or to gain knowledge in study disciplines other than their initial degree. These programs can be offered at Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or coursework Masters level. Some of the programs are offered by flexible delivery increasing access to intending students from regional Australia.
The best advantage of pursuing a career in the dairy industry is virtual ‘full’ employment of graduates.
Information on scholarships is summarised under a separate heading ‘Scholarships and Awards’ on this website.
Articulation from TAFE to Degree Programs
Most universities offer convenient articulation pathways from TAFE Diploma to degree programs for those interested in pursuing University studies. Some universities offer special entry for mature aged students.
Persons interested in pursuing options for articulation or special entry should contact the institution directly.
Masters and PhD Programs
PhD programs are offered by a number of Australian Universities for those interested in pursuing research and / or teaching careers.
Dairy and food related educational programs at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate level are summarised in the following table:
Footnotes
UG indicates study in the nominated field is available as a dedicated degree or as a specialist stream in a science degree.
GS indicates study at graduate level is available for persons with a degree and/or considerable industry experience to specialise in the field.