ROSEWOOD State High School has been named one of just 15 Queensland schools chosen to join the 2026 Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP), an initiative designed to build a skilled future workforce for the state’s growing agriculture sector.
Run by CQUniversity and funded by the Queensland Government, the program connects secondary students and teachers with farmers, agri-tech innovators and industry leaders, giving students hands-on experience and clearer pathways into careers across primary industries.
The 15 successful schools were selected from a competitive field of 41 applicants statewide. Each will receive $2500 from CQU and industry partners to help develop new resources, classroom technology, industry links and agriculture-focused projects.
Importantly, schools will also gain access to CQU’s agribusiness education team for 12 months, supporting events, mentoring, industry introductions and curriculum development aimed at boosting student interest in modern agriculture and agri-tech.
Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates said the schools were well placed to embrace Queensland’s diverse, rapidly evolving agriculture sector.
“Agriculture has always been a cornerstone industry in Queensland,” Ms Bates said.
“As the sector continues to evolve – embracing science, technology and sustainability – our agriculture workforce will evolve with it.
“Our investment in the Agribusiness GISP is securing a pipeline of skilled workers to help deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.”
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the State Government was focused on rebuilding the sector after years of stagnation.
“We need to expose students from all backgrounds to an industry that has embraced technology and innovation and is crying out for a talented, diverse workforce.”
Senior Lecturer Dr Jaime Manning from CQU’s Agri-tech Education and Extension team said strong demand for the program highlighted growing interest in agricultural education.
“The quality of the applications from across Queensland shows a widespread desire to build agricultural skills and develop the future workforce,” Dr Manning said.
