When Dominic Gambrill caught the agriculture "bug" from annual visits to his grandmother's farm in Bundaberg, he knew he wanted to pursue it.
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The 22-year-old from Burradoo fell in love with working in the great outdoors and with animals, and made his way to TAFE Moss Vale to make it a reality.
"Agriculture is such a rewarding career and perfect for anyone who wants to work with animals and outdoors," he said.
He has completed a Certificate III in Agriculture, and is doing contract work on local properties and will head north to help manage his grandmother's farm.
The student is due to graduate in July.
"I really felt a passion for working on the land but it wasn't until I went to TAFE NSW did it all come together," he said.
"After doing the fencing unit, I can now repair fences and the unit on learning how to herd animals was also invaluable."
Mr Gambrill is one of many "townies" who have come from the suburbs to study agriculture at the TAFE.
NSW Farmers workplace relations chair Chris Stillard said new data that showed more students from non-farming backgrounds were studying agriculture, was a positive for the industry.
It would address the gaps in skills in the industry, he said.
"Modern agriculture is a really diverse industry and we don't just have tractor drivers and stockhands any more, we've got mechanics and drone pilots and network engineers as well," he said.
"TAFE NSW will play an important role in helping the industry have a skilled pipeline of workers into the future.
"A growing global population means a growing need for food, and agriculture is where that food comes from, so you can be outstanding in any field while you're out standing in a field."
TAFE NSW team leader of agribusiness Jenny O'Donnell said she had noticed a increase in students from a non-farming background studying agriculture in recent years.
"There used to be a perception that only those from farming backgrounds entered the agriculture industry but that has well and truly changed," she said.
"The local ag industry is booming and with that growth comes strong demand for skilled workers.
Learn more about different courses via tafensw.edu.au/locations/illawarra/moss-vale.
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