BSSC Year 12 student, Harvey Hughes, is a finalist in the Victorian Training Awards in the category of School‑Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) Trainee of the Year.
What began as a job helping with fencing on a neighbour’s farm quickly expanded as Harvey realised being on the land was for him. Through the Head Start program he has blended school with a Certificate III SBAT in Agriculture, allowing him to complete secondary school AND be well on the way to his future in ag.
He really enjoyed the long hours on big machinery during last season’s grain harvest and he’s already looking forward to next.
The Victorian Training Awards site celebrates all Harvey has achieved with the following precis of his achievements.
Harvey Hughes discovered his interest in agriculture when he chose it as a school elective. Although there was no family background in farming, the subject sparked a passion he was determined to pursue. At 16, he worked on a friend’s farm during school holidays, assisting with fencing, unloading trucks, and working as a shearer’s roustabout.
Taking on a SBAT provided the ideal balance allowing him to complete VCE while gaining real industry experience. Harvey is now completing a Certificate III in Agriculture through Longerenong College and developing skills in livestock handling, machinery operation, farm safety, and general farm management.
Never letting the grass grow under his feet, Harvey established a small hobby farm on his family’s land where he applies his new skills. Managing long workdays, balancing school and TAFE work, handling volumes of livestock, has made Harvey resilient, committed, and enthusiastic about a long and rewarding career in agriculture.
Asked about his experiences with these programs, Harvey says, “I would recommend this pathway to anyone considering a career in agriculture.”
