WESTERN Australia's agribusiness sector has responded positively to CY O'Connor Institute announcing its dual diploma in agriculture and management.
In a wide-ranging speech at Muresk campus on August 1, CY O'Connor's Industry Advisory Committee chairman Brian Piesse said a rethink of the institute's product mix decided to introduce the dual diploma.
"This course is targeted at people with considerable experience in the agricultural sector who are preparing themselves to work at the level of a farm production manager or a production unit manager, with responsibilities to manage people, budgets, pastures and livestock," he said.
"The course will give people the skills to run their business well, and make good decisions which will add strength to the bottom line.
"Importantly, it will provide people with guaranteed entry into the bachelor of agricultural business management degree."
Craig Mostyn Group executive director Andrew Mostyn was there.
His firm operates the Lynley Valley abattoir and is the state's largest pork exporter.
He saw the dual diploma as a real boost to the agribusiness sector.
"Agribusiness is so important to us in this state we have moved our head office to Fremantle from Sydney," he said.
"This is a fantastic announcement and we support this particular innovation at Muresk as it will help us find good employees."
Westpac's regional general manager for agribusiness Chris Moore also saw great value in the dual diploma.
"This should mean that those who undertake the course will have the skills set for financial management.
"The course will round out skills and make farmers good business managers."
CY O'Connor managing director John Scott said the response from industry was gratifying.
"We can offer training and education from school level to full tertiary courses with vocational training along the way," he said.
