A series of free professional development workshops and curriculum-aligned school incursions are being delivered through the Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project.
Managed by CQUniversity, the initiative connects Queensland high schools with industry and helps create pathways into agriculture careers.
The opportunities come at a critical time for Australia’s agriculture sector, which is increasingly seeking skilled workers across a broad range of roles spanning science, technology, sustainability, business, production and innovation.
CQUniversity Institute for Future Farming Systems Agricultural Education and Extension Cluster lead Dr Jaime Manning says supporting teachers is a vital step in preparing young people for future careers and strengthening the industry’s workforce pipeline.
“Many students are interested in making a difference through sustainability, technology, science or business, but they may not realise those opportunities exist within agriculture,” Manning says.
“Teachers play an important role in opening students’ eyes to these pathways, and these workshops are designed to give educators the confidence, resources and industry connections they need to bring contemporary agriculture into their classrooms.
“By strengthening links between schools and industry, we’re helping students understand the real-world opportunities available to them while also supporting the future workforce needs of Queensland’s agricultural sector.”
Students are increasingly interested in sustainability and innovation, Dr Manning says, and the program demonstrates how agriculture is developing practical solutions that create both environmental and economic benefits. PHOTO: CQU
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Teacher Professional Development program, titled Waste to Worth: Reimagining Imperfect Produce, which will provide practical, hands-on learning experiences for teachers of Agriculture, Food Technology and Hospitality, and Business.
The workshops explore innovative solutions to food waste and demonstrate how lower-grade or surplus produce can be transformed into alternative products and new income streams.
Participants will gain access to a new curriculum-aligned teaching module, receive a free take-home kit through a partnership with Zest Element, and connect directly with local agricultural and food businesses to see industry innovation firsthand.
Manning says the topic reflects the kinds of challenges and opportunities shaping modern agriculture.
“Food waste is a global issue, but it’s also a powerful learning opportunity,” she says.
“Students are increasingly interested in sustainability and innovation, and this program demonstrates how agriculture is developing practical solutions that create both environmental and economic benefits.
“These are exactly the types of conversations that can inspire students to see agriculture as a dynamic, future-focused industry.”
Alongside the professional development workshops, Queensland secondary schools can also register for free Waste to Worth: Reimagining Undesirable Produce incursions.
The classroom sessions explore food waste across the horticulture supply chain and investigate how surplus or lower-grade produce can be repurposed, helping students better understand sustainability, value-adding and emerging opportunities within the industry.
The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project provides dedicated support to schools, helping teachers integrate agriculture into existing curriculum while fostering ongoing partnerships with local industry.
The project is managed by CQUniversity and funded by the Queensland Government. It is delivered in partnership with AgriFutures Australia, the Queensland Agriculture Teachers Association and AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program.
2026 Teacher Professional Development Workshop Dates are:
Brisbane - August 13, 2026
Sunshine Coast - September 7, 2026
Bundaberg - September 9, 2026
Charters Towers - September 15, 2026
Toowoomba - October 16, 2026
Online - October 26, 2026
Teachers interested in attending a workshop can register here.
Schools interested in hosting an incursion can register their interest here.
