Beacon Foundation’s Work Based Learning Services collaborated with Penguin High School and local industries to provide students with an industry tour on Thursday 19 May.  Students visited local agricultural employers in order to learn more about the potential pathways, skills shortages and opportunities within the region. 

Nine adventurous students set off on the bus with Mr Maywald and Sonia Hodgetts from the Beacon Foundation.

Students started the day with a tour of Harvest Moon, in Forth.  First up was checking out the processing of the mini ‘Snackable’ carrots and students learned about growing, harvesting and processing of a wide range of vegetables sourced from the Harvest Moon farms. Each student was provided with a free box of Snackable carrots, picked fresh from the farm that day. From Harvest Moon, the next visit was to see the man most enthusiastic about growing tomatoes, Anthony Brandsema, at Turners Beach.  Students were able to defrost somewhat within the warm confines of the tomato greenhouse.  Brandsema supplies many of the supermarkets across the North West. 

Third visit was to Tasmac, in Quioba.  We were really grateful for the time and effort Tasmac put into hosting our students.  They provided thoughtful career information and talked to students about the shortages within the agricultural machinery industry.  We were also lucky to chat with Bruce McIntosh, from the Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce about starting apprenticeships in mechanical careers.  The free hats supplied by Tasmac were appreciated too! 

Our final visit was to Hills Transplants.  Hills Transplants provide seedlings for many forestry companies, vegetable seedlings for most of the producers statewide and also produces herbs which are supplied fresh to local supermarkets.  The Penguin High students were also very lucky to be let loose in the raspberry plants to eat the massive raspberries at the end of the tour. 

Thank you to all the employers for committing their valuable time to share their work with students.