Audrey Keck has always been interested in working outdoors with animals. But without family connections to rural industries or a farming background, she thought her dream would never become a reality.
While working in hospitality, she often thought about a career change but was unsure what it would look like. That was until she stumbled across an advertisement on social media for a program called Fast Track.
Run by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, the 12-month training program offered a mix of on-the-job training and formal study. Specifically, it involved completing a TAFE certificate while being paid for time spent on practical placements.
Having successfully applied for the program, Audrey has been working as a stud hand at Swettenham Stud at Nagambie, in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria, for the past six months.
Read about Audrey’s experience entering the agricultural workforce
Watch Audrey’s story
This case study is one of a series developed as part of the Community Perceptions and Worker Experiences Program. Check out the stories of other inspiring Australians who have entered the agricultural workforce.
Georgia Beattie, CEO of Bulla Park, Australia’s largest organic mushroom farm
Pig farmers Tim and Mark Kingma, who have merged their skills to boost the family business
Trish Hammond, who traded nursing for dairy farming and now co-runs MPH Farming
Alternatively, return to the Community Perceptions and Worker Experiences Program home page.
