Local students make valuable career connections

Year 11 Allendale East Area School student Lyndall took the opportunity to discover new career pathways and make connections with people with similar interests. Agriculture is a big passion of mine,” Lyndall said. “I love being outside and doing everything hands on, so this week was really helpful.” Guided by Landscape Education Coordinator Natasha Dawson, the student group had hands on experience with a range of topics, including water availability and quality, adaptive agriculture, pest plants, and habitat restoration. Daily field trips allowed the student group to meet different people in landscape management careers. “The whole week was really interesting, and I learned a lot,” Lyndall said. “The activity I most enjoyed was cutting and swabbing weeds at Dry Creek and Marist Park. We were only there for a few hours, but we got a lot done. It was really rewarding.” This year's program, in partnership with TAFE SA, enabled students to complete four TAFE subjects, and earn valuable SACE points. “It helps put a foot in the door for different career pathways, whether that be weed control, soil and water testing, or helping farmers with their crops,” Lyndall said. “I made lots of connections with people in the community.” The Limestone Coast Landscape Board work experience program will run again in 2021. For more information contact Landscape Education Coordinator Natasha Dawson natasha.dawson@sa.gov.au.