What Skills Will I Actually Need in 2021?

2021 could be your year to upskill.

This post is presented in partnership with The University of Queensland.

So, um, the world looks pretty different compared to last January. Understandably, you’ve changed too (perhaps looking more like Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road).

So, it’d make sense if your study plans have changed as well. Maybe you’re now more interested in a career pathway that will lead to immediate employment after study (and perhaps even without you going to uni).

If so, you’re going to need to know which skills are in high demand (and where you can gain them).

This is where UQ Skills comes in. With a wide range of applied education and training programs built for future industry leaders, you’re sure to find out what skills you need, how to get them, and get into a career you’ll love.

What skills are big right now?

Life as we knew it has changed since the coronavirus pandemic began. COVID-19 significantly altered the way we live and work overnight and everything became super unpredictable, to say the least.

However, one thing is for certain: it highlighted our need to adapt and develop new skills. A post-COVID world also brings increased demand for jobs in areas that you might not have considered before.

Gone are the days of looking for any ol’ office job. UQ Skills has courses that can get you started in diverse and interesting careers, and none of them are as heavy as a university degree. So, if you are not massively interested in heading to uni just yet, this could be the ideal option for you.

Applied rural and agriculture roles are in huge demand right now. Why? Well, it has been super important to keep our agriculture industries strong and safeguard our environment and food supply during the coronavirus pandemic.

Getting some relevant qualifications in these areas is a great way to get involved in agribusiness, rural operations and agriculture. Programs that focus on these skills can also present so many unexpected opportunities in rural locations all over the country. Who doesn’t want a change of scenery right now?

UQ Skills offers programs and courses in agribusiness management, agriculture, rural operations, farriery and farm business management, as well as farm ready programs and rural skills training workshops. Their choice of short or longer courses are great ways to help you become job-ready.

In February 2021, they will offer a brand new dual Diploma of Agribusiness Management/Diploma of Agriculture, which will give you a combination of skills and understanding in business management as well as modern agricultural technologies. You could also graduate with two nationally accredited qualifications in just 12 months.

With the dual diploma you can upskill in climate risk management, livestock production, agricultural technology, cropping production and so much more.

Use this course to gain the skills to become a farm production manager or a station, property or agribusiness manager. Develop your knowledge of business and marketing and how this relates to livestock and cropping production and learn how to apply the latest applications of agricultural technologies.

This course is also super flexible as you can study at the Gatton campus or remotely via online learning (online students must be able to access a farm property or workplace to complete assessments).

How can I get started?

You can download an application pack now to commence your study in February.

The dual Diploma of Agribusiness Management/Diploma of Agriculture with UQ Skills is offered face-to-face or can be completely online (with access to a farm property or workplace to complete assessments). It’s also offered via blended delivery—both internal and online so you can fit in a course that will suit your lifestyle and commitments.

If you’re worried about the cost, don’t stress too much. You may be eligible for VET student loans or higher-level skills funding towards the costs of your studies. Get in touch with the friendly staff at UQ Skills to find out more.

If you’re not yet ready to jump into a diploma, you can start with UQ Skills’ Rural Skills Training Workshops. They teach various practical skills in short workshops, focussing on hands-on learning that can be applied to your line of agricultural work.

This is a great option if you already work on farms or in the agricultural industry, or to help complement your studies if you’re planning to build a career in agriculture.

You can even get started with UQ Skills programs as early as Year 11 and 12 and learn to use farm machinery and equipment with a Certificate II in Rural Operations or Agriculture.

If upskilling for this new world looks like a pathway you’re keen to take, you can find out more about the UQ Skills dual diploma, and get your application ready here.

RTO #1511

Header Image: Supplied