Rural & Farming is a diverse industry that offers many varied and flexible career opportunities.As one of the most significant sectors in Australia, it seems ironic that the industry is troubled by the skills shortage and having problems attracting young people in.

But one young woman, Narelle Savige, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Moe in Victoria, is on a quest to change all that.

"My biggest passion is to promote the industry," she says excitedly. "Some people still don't understand that farming isn't just about milking cows, it's human-oriented and there are just so many avenues you can pursue."

"You can do marketing, become a field rep, artificial insemination consultant, or get into farm management."

Narelle grew up on her parent's dairy farm and was driving tractors before cars.

"In Year 12 I really didn't know what I wanted to do, but I always had a deep love for the whole farming thing and then I heard about the Advanced Diploma. It sounded perfect for me."

Narelle enrolled in the Advanced Diploma of Agriculture in Dairy at the newly formed National Centre for Dairy Education (NCDE) in Warragul. The course entails a balance of practical and theoretical work, including at placement farms across Australia, and enables graduates to enter the industry at a higher level and with more options.

"It has also given me a firm grounding in analysing business performance and I have been able to bring bring that knowledge back to my parent's farm and implement it there."

Narelle graduated in July this year and was awarded a $5000 scholarship for study in New Zealand. She was also successful in gaining a position as the Young Dairy Farmer Development Program coordinator in Gippsland. She now divides her week working between the NCDEA and the YDP.

Part of her role involves travelling to high schools and giving year 9 and 10 students a taste of the industry. 

"I think one of the most important things we can do is get into high schools and talk to careers teachers and students," explains Narelle with a wisdom beyond her 21 years.

"It's about raising their awareness. Maybe they are interested in Nutrition or have a passion for the outdoors or animals, we can guide them into a suitable pathway. It's the first question I always ask them - what are you interested in?"

Through her work with the YDP Narelle also helps organise regular social and networking events for rural workers in the region, including monthly discussion groups and trivia nights.

"There are a lot of farmers doing it tough out there due to the drought. I love that we can get them off-farm for a day, whether it's to a group or social function, to relax and not think about the stress."

However, not all those engaged in agriculture were born into a farming family and nor are all jobs based in rural areas. According to a 2005 report, Agriculture supports the jobs of 1.6 million Australians and 57.7 per cent of these are located in Australia's six capital cities.

"I actually think the guys from the city doing my course had more passion than anyone," says Narelle. "They were driven to get out of the city, worked hard and needed to get ahead. I always have a dairy farm to go home to."

Matt Trotter grew up in the Victorian town of Pakenham, and is one of Narelle's best mates. The pair formed a close bond while studying together at the NCDEA.

"In fact, the friendships I made through the course was one of the highlights for me," says Narelle.

For Matt, being outdoors and working with animals has always been passion and while he grew up in town, after he did work experience in Year 10 on a dairy farm his mind was made up.  It is his dream to one day own and manage his own farm.

"Once I had the taste of the dairy industry that was it, I was hooked," he explains.

Together with several other Diploma students, Matt and Narelle were involved in a project known as the Young Achievement Australia Business Skills Program, where students are required to establish a company then research, develop and sell a service.

Narelle was the Managing Director of the company, 'Why ADAD', and the group produced and marketed a clothing range featuring the company logo and the slogan ‘Proud to Dairy.'

"It was a great experience because it promoted youthful pride in an evolving industry," says Narelle.

"We chose and committed to this goal because it tied together the themes of youth, pride in who we are and what we do, and the fact that the dairy industry is exciting and constantly changing."