Key Principles for Successful Agricultural Industry School Partnerships

Authors

Abstract

This research explores the key principles for successful agricultural industry school partnerships (ISPs) identified by educators and industry professionals who participated in an ISP program delivered as part of the Raising Aspirations in Careers Education Gippsland (RACE) project from 2021-2023. This qualitative case study analysed data collected from 59 primary and/or secondary educators and 61 agricultural industry professionals, including pre-program surveys, and pre- and post-program semi-structured interviews. Survey data provided demographic information analysed through frequency counts. Interview data was analysed thematically. Through an ecological system lens, this case study generated four key principles for successful agricultural ISPs, relating to: participant engagement, funding, planning, and frequency. To improve outcomes for all stakeholders, these principles can be considered by those participating in and designing similar ISPs.  

Author Biographies

  • Molly O'Dea, CQUniversity Australia

    Molly O’Dea is a PhD candidate at CQUniversity Australia with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Master of Teaching. Molly is currently exploring the nature of agricultural industry school partnerships in Gippsland, Australia.  

  • Amy Cosby, CQUniversity Australia

    Associate Professor Amy Cosby is the Research Lead for the Agricultural Education and Extension Cluster at CQUniversity Australia with a Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a PhD in Precision Agriculture. Amy currently works with educators, students, researchers and industry professionals to develop innovative programs to increase their skills and knowledge in agricultural concepts, tools and systems. Her objective is to use the knowledge derived from this research to design programs which showcase and attract the next generation agricultural workforce to the industry from diverse backgrounds. 

  • Jaime Manning, CQUniversity Australia

    Dr. Jaime Manning is a lecturer in Agriculture within the School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences at CQUniversity Australia. She has a B.AnVetBioSci (Hons 1) and a PhD in Precision Livestock. Her main research interests are using and incorporating technology on farms to improve the level of monitoring and welfare of livestock, whilst ​highlighting the diverse career opportunities available to the current and next generation workforce​. Her experience in this area ensures ​​research outcomes​​ are industry relevant and highlight current issues facing the sector. 

  • Nicole McDonald, CQUniversity Australia

    Dr. Nicole McDonald is the Senior Research Officer with the Agritech Education and Extension cluster at CQUniversity with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons 1), and a PhD in the Vocational Psychology of Agriculture. Her research focuses on the attraction, retention and development of the agricultural workforce, technology acceptance and adoption, skills development, and leadership within agriculture. Nicole’s objective is a commitment to understand, improve, and promote the quality careers that exist within food and fibre industries.  

  • Bobby Harreveld, CQUniversity Australia

    Emeritus Professor Bobby Harreveld has thirty years of research experience with continuing professional education for adults as well as development, implementation and evaluation of education and training programs. Through this work, she wants to make a positive difference for people’s access to learning with successful transitions to outcomes of significance for them. 

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Published

02-03-2026

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 5 (2025)

Section

Research Articles