Growing Our Future
Creating genuine employment pathways through formal traineeships delivered in partnership with Murray Mallee Training Company and Head Start in Geelong.
What is the Farmer Incubator Program?
The Farmer Incubator Program is a formal traineeship pathway run by Farm My School at its working farm sites at Bellarine Secondary College and Colac Secondary College. Trainees work on-site while completing a Certificate III qualification in Agriculture or Horticulture, delivered in partnership with Murray Mallee Training Company and Head Start Geelong, gaining real, paid experience in regenerative farming while building a genuine pathway into an agricultural career.
To learn more or express interest with a traineeship send an email to farmer@farmmyschool.com.au.
Why Does This Program Exist?
Australia faces a declining agricultural workforce, and too few genuine career pathways exist for young people in regional Victoria.
Farm My School is proving that schools can become dynamic centres for workforce development – taking underutilised school land and transforming it into learning and employment ecosystems where young people discover real career possibilities across agriculture, horticulture, and the broader food supply chain.
What do Trainees Do?
Trainees take on real, ongoing responsibilities on a working farm while completing a formal qualification:
Regenerative farming practices – hands-on soil management and crop planning
Composting and soil preparation – as Paul, one of our former trainees, now manages full-time
Food systems and supply chain operations – including our veggie box delivery program, currently led by Charlee a former trainee
Workplace capabilities – teamwork, quality management, problem-solving, planning, customer service and technical skills
Leadership opportunities – trainees are also invited to lead farm tours or answer questions from students
Real Trainees, Real Outcomes
Three young people - Paul, Charlee, and Alex recently completed their Certificate III qualifications in Agriculture and Horticulture, as part of the Farmer Incubator Program, whilst working on site and finishing their schooling. Paul and Charlee have stayed with Farm My School and employed as Farm Hands with differing responsibilities, while Alex is in the midst of an internship at the Institute of Agri-Food Research in Spain.
Aster is our first trainee at Farm My School Colac, and "he is absolutely thriving", according to Farm Manager, Caitie Tacey. Lachie is in his first year as a trainee at Farm My School Bellarine.
These aren't just work experience placements. Our trainees develop practical skills in regenerative farming, soil management, crop planning, and food processing whilst building essential workplace capabilities including teamwork, quality management, and planning.
Paul manages composting and soil preparation operations. "It's improved my life overall – physically and mentally." – Paul
The program reaches diverse learners effectively – Charlee, who finds traditional classroom learning challenging, now leads our veggie box delivery offering. "This helped me learn in new ways – and it helped me stay in school." – Charlee
What is the Farm My School Elective?
The Farm My School Elective is a hands-on Year 10 agriculture and horticulture program offered at Bellarine and Colac. It is sometimes a stepping stone for students before committing to a traineeship.
This opportunity has all been possible thanks to my time here at Farm My School. I would highly recommend this program to other young ambitious students interested in gaining hands-on experience on a farm."
My time as a trainee has improved my life overall – physically and mentally."
The opportunity to pitch Farm My School in front of a room full of donors through The Funding Network was such an incredible experience. As a young woman working in horticulture, opportunities like this have given me the confidence to step outside of the farm, share my story and show what's possible for young people coming through the industry. It's been amazing to realise that being a trainee isn't just about learning the practical skills, it can open doors to experiences and connections I never expected."
FAQs
More Than a Farm
What qualifications do trainees receive?
Certificate III in Horticulture and Agriculture, delivered in partnership with Murray Mallee Training Company and Head Start in Geelong.
Where is the program based?
Bellarine Secondary College, Drysdale and Colac Secondary College, Colac, and both sites are near Geelong.
Is the traineeship connected to the Farm My School Elective?
The Farmer Incubator Program is a natural next step for students who've engaged with farm-based learning, including through the Farm My School Elective though it's also open to other applicants meeting the eligibility criteria.
