Dairy manufacturing education

Background:

Dairy education and research are critical to enhancing industry skills and capability. Dairy education and training courses are declining in the tertiary sector with many subjects/courses being removed from University and TAFE programs. In secondary schools, there is lack of dairy science and technology teaching.

There is a need for our industry to introduce dairy manufacturing concepts in the secondary school curriculum in selected schools. This will increase awareness of dairy careers which may improve number and quality of students selecting dairy careers. It will also improve awareness of the nutritional benefits of dairy products.

Project objective:

There are two key objectives: a) to increase awareness of dairy manufacturing and careers at secondary schools and b) to support dairy education at tertiary level - TAFE and University.

Project scope:

In 2010, Cows Create Careers dairy manufacturing was run as a pilot project with 10 schools in Victoria with support from dairy manufacturers. Following its success, in 2011 this project will be expanded to cover 25 schools across Victoria, NSW and Tasmania.

In 2011 ian initiative with 8 schools involves training of the science teachers to make camembert cheese. Following this, teachers train the secondary school students to make Camembert cheese which is judged, and prizes awarded to the best team and best school. By 2015, it is hoped that 50-60 schools will participate in the program nationwide.

Outcomes/benefits:

Workforce capability is critical to the productivity and sustainability of the dairy industry. This project enhances industry profile and capability through better promotion of the  industry and its careers in secondary schools.

It will also promote the nutritional aspects of dairy among teenage students, and this has the potential to promote dairy products among other family members. Awareness of the industry and careers before and after the program will be measured. This project also supports dairy education at tertiary level which improve awareness of dairy among students at University and TAFE level.

More information:

For more information, please contact Mani Iyer, Dairy Australia Program Manager - Product Innovation