Student testimonials
Study at AACC. Meet our students. Follow in their footsteps.
Douglas aims for a future on the landDouglas Martin knew exactly what he wanted to do in life and he had taken the important step to make it happen by enrolling in agricultural studies at the AACC Dalby Campus. The Dalby AACC Campus graduate is keen on managing a property in the not-too-distant future, and had completed a suite of qualifications including Certificates II, III, IV and Diploma courses in Agriculture as he realised that he needed to be across every aspect of the agricultural industry before his dream becomes a reality. "I've found the College's agricultural courses to be exactly what I need if I want to become a manager of a property. The College Instructors are always there to help you, trying to guide you in the right way of doing things. They know their stuff and they're constantly giving praise for a job well done. They can't do enough for you. "My skills have improved 100 per cent and with the specialised study I've done on bookkeeping and computer work I know I've covered both the practical and the theory needed to become a property manager." With his ag studies now in hand, Douglas has secured a job as a harvesting and planting contractor on a property at Moree in north western New South Wales. Douglas Martin |
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Jodie channels passion for horses into careerDoing something she enjoys was a good enough reason for Jodie to enrol in the Diploma of Agriculture (Horse Breeding). The 20 year-old wanted her love of horses to one day become her profession and braved the challenge of leaving home to begin studies to pursue a career in the horse industry. "The course was very practical and readied me for work in the horse industry. I enrolled at the Burdekin Campus to gain a better knowledge of the rural industries, focusing on horse breeding in particular. The fact that the Diploma course was very practical helped me understand the theory that I was learning and I could apply that knowledge when working in the paddock. "The interaction you have with industry is great and the course is highly relevant to today's workplace. I'm doing things now I wouldn't have dreamed of doing a few years ago. Things like applying the latest techniques in cattle and cropping and getting out on motorbikes. I can fix a fence; muster cattle, dip and brand. You name it! "I can't speak highly enough of the College Instructors. They're always willing to give you a hand and they teach you so much because they've done so much in the industry." Jodie Lonergan |
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North QLD's Jodie in the saddle in pursuit of her dream15 year-old Jodie Saggers from Trinity Beach in North Queensland is pleased with her choice to study at AACC Emerald Campus. "Ever since my mum bought me my first pony, I decided I was going to work with, around or near animals. I want to learn more about the technical side of horses and how to raise them. I was really interested in the courses and the places this type of training could take me and talking to AACC staff helped me decide on the course. The diploma will help me achieve my goal of traveling Australia breeding horses." Jodie's desire for a career with horses and a rural lifestyle finally came to fruition when she spent an entire week of her September school holidays (in 2007) sampling potential careers in agriculture when she attended the College's TASTE program held at the Emerald Campus. On completing her Diploma Jodie hopes to use her skills to travel Australia and secure work at various breeding studs around the country. Jodie Saggers |
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Sophie takes next step to a rural career15 year-old Darling Downs teenager Sophie Beutel is already steps ahead of the competition. "I am enjoying the course, so I can learn how to ride better and at the same time pick up helpful horse and cattle working techniques. Everyone keeps telling me how hair-brained sheep are, so I'm keen to see that first hand and see what it's like trying to control them. I am enjoying my studies and getting all the skills I need for the workplace." Sophie Beutel |
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Christy trades city life for the outback18 year-old Christy Stafford has taken the first step towards fulfilling her life-long ambition to work in the rural industry by enrolling in Certificate I in Rural Operations and Certificate II in Agriculture. But chasing her dream to seek a career nurturing her love of animals meant leaving her Acacia Ridge home to experience life at the College's (AACC) Emerald Campus - a lifestyle change she knows will open the doors to a rewarding career on the land. "I chose the Emerald Campus because it gives me the opportunity to learn valuable agricultural theory and practical skills on-site". Christy Stafford |
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Country life and horses cast a spell on Cristy-LeeA future career in the horse industry is now a reality and Cristy-Lee knows enrolling at the AACC Longreach Campus in 2008 is a sure way to get there. The 18 year-old Gympie girl says her time spent following her father as he checked cattle or rode the horses on their properties cast its spell and she became totally absorbed in working on properties, playing polo crosse and show cattle circuits. "The country way of life is so much better than the city. Everyone knows each other and you feel safer. It's a great place to live and work." Cristy-Lee knew she was making the right decision to head to Longreach as soon as she set foot on campus and saw the facilities on offer. "I was gob-smacked by the College. It was even better than what I expected. I couldn't shut-up about it when trying to describe it to my friends and the Gympie High School show team. "I couldn't wait to meet people with the same interests as me and start my studies. "If you want something, go for it. Don't let anything stand in your way." Cristy-Lee aspires to one day become a jillaroo or a property manager/owner. Cristy-Lee Cumner |
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Callum chooses bush over beach15 year-old Buderim teenager Callum Rayne considers the AACC Longreach Campus as the perfect place to build his future in the cattle industry. "I was brought up on a Merino station, so it gets into your blood. I am very keen to learn more about beef production and the cattle industry. "I hope my studies can give me the practical experience to become a station hand or jackeroo, then move on to station manager and ultimately own my own place. "Everyone knows that if you've been to Longreach Campus for a couple of years you know what you're talking about." "I'll be in a working environment, but with people my own age. It will be hard work, but still a great atmosphere working with other country kids and I know the one-on-one guidance from the teachers will be invaluable." Callum Rayne |
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Top horse graduate Alysha saddles up for island jobNot only did Townsville 19 year-old Alysha Cuddy graduate from the AACC Burdekin Campus in 2007 but she also jumped into the saddle for her new job as a Riding Guide on Dunk Island, near Mission Beach. Alysha is ideally suited to the job after graduating with a Certificate I and II in Agriculture, along with Certificate III and IV in Agriculture plus a Diploma of Agriculture in Horse Breeding. "It's all thanks to the Ag College how I came about the job in the first place as I did work experience on Dunk Island as part of my course industry work placement. "I've always been interested in horses, it's a passion. Going through high school I didn't know what I wanted to do and tried a few things, nothing fitted. Then I heard about the Australian Agricultural College Corporation towards the end of Year 12 and I knew then I wanted to do it and convinced my parents to enrol me. "I enjoyed working with horses, preparing them for shows and going to shows, breaking in and handling foals is a favourite and the occasional mustering when we got to help out the beef students. It's also enjoyable because it's not just about horses, there's a variety of subjects in the certificates such as learning about crops, beef and machinery maintenance. Another big bonus in these courses is that it's more practical than theory so you're out there doing the job. "The instructors are great, always full of information and you learn something new everyday. I have improved my riding and handling skills compared to when I first started thanks to my instructor. Looking back at the beginning to now it is amazing how much knowledge and skills I have learnt. "The social life after hours with other students on campus kept us busy on the weekends; there was always something to do. The Ag College has sufficient facilities and resources for all areas they train in. The accommodation is great and makes it a second home away from home. "It's the best experience of your life, something you will always remember. There are many courses to choose from and you learn new skills everyday and meet new people. It's a great time. Go for it!" Alysha Cuddy |
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Aiden breaks in the career possibilitiesHigh achieving horseman Aiden Nunn from Pipers River is well on his way to establishing a name for himself in the horse industry after qualifying top of his class in an eight-week Australian Agricultural College Corporation horse training and breeding course. "My employer sent me up to Queensland to further my knowledge at a course that was run by John Arnold, one of the best horse instructors in Australia. I picked up some new techniques and I am a better trainer for going. The campus and facilities were very good. I learnt all the skills I need and had fun while I did it." Aiden is keen to forge a career in training and breaking in horses and start his own business in the future. He spent 6 months working at the Thoroughbred Stud Training Centre in Tasmania. He is currently working at "Weewondilla" Station north of Longreach working polo crosse horses and doing contract pastoral stock handling. Aiden Nunn |
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Daniel (DJ) wouldn't dream of doing anything else"The Longreach Campus is really set up with great facilities for training. The courses I had undertaken have helped me a great deal because they give you the skills and knowledge you need to work on a property. "If you're looking to come to the Australian Agricultural College Corporation I would strongly recommend the Longreach Campus. It's a great place to learn, I've learned so much from the Instructors and the social aspect is also great. If you wish to do an Ag course you should definitely give Longreach Campus a go!" Daniel (DJ) Henley |
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Working on the land has always been Hannah's ambition18 year-old Hannah Pollock from Brisbane was always interested in all things on the land and decided to pursue her interest in this career path through the Australian Agricultural College Corporation. "I chose to study at AACC because working on the land is all I ever wanted to do. My experiences here at Ag College have been excellent and I have made close friends and gained valuable knowledge and practical know-how from my studies. I've had the time of my life at AACC." In July 2008 Hannah will commence the Diploma of Agriculture at Emerald Campus. Hannah Pollock |
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Nathan takes new found skills back to family farm"I chose to study at AACC to improve my skills and knowledge in all aspects of agriculture, especially cattle and horses. The courses I have completed have helped me immensely for future employment. I have learned so many new things and have met a lot of people. "The instructors are very knowledgeable and always willing to help you with your studies any way they can. The skills I have learnt from many of the instructors will be helpful for the rest of my working career in agriculture. "I highly recommend Ag College as it is a worthwhile experience because it sets you up for the future." Nathan Bock |
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DJ learns skills to become a top horse trainer"I enrolled in the horsemanship course to broaden my knowledge and skills in horse training and stockmanship. I had heard that the horse course at Longreach Campus was the best course for horse training in Australia and that instructor John Arnold was one of the best trainers in the country. "Ag College was a great way to meet people with the same interests as me. The facilities and instructors are very good which enhanced my learning experience. The course has given me the skills to further my career in the rural industry, working with both horses and cattle. "If you have an interest in learning more about training horses you should definitely consider studying at AACC." DJ has returned to work in the family pastoral business near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. DJ Castine |
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Tara finds career path after experiencing life on the landTara Schmidt decided to enrol in the Certificate III in Agriculture (Horse Breeding) course at the AACC Longreach Campus after her family lived on a property for two years. It was because of this experience that her interest in agriculture and working with animals, especially horses developed into a future career interest. "During my final year of school I started looking at agricultural colleges and found the Longreach Campus had all the right courses for the type of training I was looking for. I picked up skills on how to read and handle livestock, shoe horses and in breaking in horses. "With the knowledge I now have, I am interested in working in the horse breaking and training industry. Even with my current experience, working on a station is a possibility." Tara Schmidt |
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Tom's skills are in high demand"If anyone was to ask me if my time was well spent at College I would say yes because the things you can learn in only six months or two years other people spend most of their lives learning." Tom Craig |
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Farm girl Rebecca wrapped about Ag College17 year-old Rebecca Cox is as much a farm girl as they come, growing up on the family sheep property in the Mudgee region of New South Wales. Rebecca has completed studies in Certificates I, II and III in Agriculture and aims to complete a Certificate IV and Diploma in Agriculture at the AACC Longreach Campus. "I wanted to study agriculture because I grew up on a farm and it's just what I love doing. I really like the courses I have enrolled in at the College because you learn so much and can specialise in what you really want to do. "The best part about the College is the people you meet and spend most of your time with while studying. The College facilities are of a high standard and the instructors are awesome and really help you to learn. "Attending AACC has helped me come out of my shell and made me more determined to get what I want out of life. If you have any thought about going to Ag College 'Do It'! Rebecca is excited about exploring the many rewarding and challenging experiences to be had in the rural industry, and her life-long ambition is to own her own property. Rebecca Cox |
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This page was last updated 7 July 2008
