Greg Paskey is the Regional Manager for the NSW State Training Services and explained program offers two streams, either in cropping or livestock. The diploma is offered through workshops and on-line learning.

“It was particularly targeted to the existing workforce within the agricultural sector; so people that have either owned their own farms, or who (are in) farm management-type positions, so they can actually formalise their qualification,” Mr Paskey said.

Units such as sustainability, coping with climate change, financial viability and resource management are integrated into the diploma which will offer first hand delivery from industry specialists and experts.

“All those things that will hopefully make the farms viable in the long term-yes, for this drought, but also, while you can’t drought-proof people, it does give the people the opportunity to look at those avenues that they can actually prepare for ongoing climate change and future use,” Mr Paskey said.

“Drought Reach is a nationally recognised qualification. If somebody then wants to go a degree at agri-food at a university, it’s a pathway into that as well.”

Students with certain skills can apply for assessment and achieve credit through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

Mr Paskey explained that the 30 original places had been extended by an additional 15 due to the popularity of the course.

“The response has been overwhelming, quite honestly,” he said.

Because the diploma is hand up to those affected by drought, TNE has offered reimbursement of the administration fee for all students who successfully complete the course. TAFE New England verified there are still some spots available with enrolments across the state and a reasonable number from the Tablelands and Northwest region.

For more information or to apply for Drought Reach, phone TAFE New England on 6773 7111.