Pathways into dairy: Starting a career on farm

However, an opportunity at high school changed her career pathway.  

Jade wasn’t enjoying school, and she was considering leaving to pursue vocational training. She had a passion for animals and caring for them – Jade had always dreamed of becoming a vet – but she wasn’t sure how to take the next step. Then her career advisor suggested a school-based traineeship in dairy. It was fully funded and offered a hands-on experience with animals.  

Jade discovered that working in dairy was different to what she imagined.   

“I thought dairy was just milking cows,” she says.  

“But I do all sorts of things – tractor work, animal husbandry and caring for calves – and that's really helped me gain experience for if I do want to become a vet nurse or go work on a station.”  

The traineeship gave Jade more than skills – it gave her direction. She transitioned from one day a week on the farm to showing up every day during school holidays. Eventually, she left school at the end of Year 10 in 2023 and started full-time work at a dairy farm, while completing a Certificate III in Dairy Production. 

Jade's confidence and capability has grown. She credits much of her development to her boss at Wallis Dairy, Darren and his wife Tracy, along with a supportive work environment.  

“Darren’s not just my boss; he’s a mentor. He sees what I can do, even when I don’t see it in myself,” she says. 

Through the traineeship, Jade also joined Dairy NSW’s Young Dairy Network (YDN) in Bega to connect with other young people in the industry. The sense of community has helped her thrive – and in July 2025, Jade was appointed leader of the YDN for the NSW Far-south coast. 

“At first, I only knew the people I worked with. But through the Network, I have met so many others my age. It’s good to be able to socialise and talk about what we do in our jobs – it really helps you feel like you belong,” she says. 

Now, she’s proud to help lead that same community. 

“Becoming a YDN leader means a lot,” Jade says.  

“It’s a chance to give back and help other young people feel connected and supported in the industry – just like I was when I started out.” 

Now, Jade encourages other farmers to consider taking on trainees. 

“They might not know everything, but you can teach them. And maybe, like me, they’ll become your next worker,” she says. 

“It’s pretty special being part of someone's career path and really helping them shape and learn what it is that they want to do.” 

Nearly three years since starting as a school-based trainee, Jade is now working full-time at Wallis Dairy and stepping into a management role on the farm. She’s continuing to build her skills and is currently completing her Certificate IV in Agriculture through Australian Training Company, further strengthening her future in the industry. 

Tune into DairyPod now to hear more about Jade’s journey and how dairy careers can start in school: Dairy pathways: Transition from school to workforce