Students from Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns are gaining real-world skills and a deeper understanding of North Queensland's agricultural industry through Civil Safety's Certificate II in Rural Operations program.
As part of their training, the students recently spent time on local sugarcane farms to experience first-hand the scale and significance of the region’s cane industry. The site visits, conducted in partnership with local growers, provided an invaluable opportunity for students to witness the day-to-day workings of a commercial farming operation—including crop management, machinery use, and the environmental considerations involved in sustainable farming.
The Certificate II in Rural Operations is designed to equip students with essential foundational skills for careers in agriculture and rural industries. The course blends practical, on-site experience with classroom learning. For many students, it’s their first opportunity to explore career paths in primary industries that are central to the local economy.
Civil Safety Trainer Assessor Ben Baty said the cane farm visits helped bring the curriculum to life for the students.
“Getting out into the paddock gives students context—they’re not just learning theory, they’re seeing it in action,” Mr Baty said. “It helps them appreciate the hard work and technology behind modern farming and shows them that agriculture is a dynamic, evolving industry with real career potential.”
For Trinity Bay State High School, partnering with Civil Safety has opened new doors for students to engage with vocational training while still at school. Head of Senior Secondary Angela Howarth said the experience was helping students gain clarity about their futures.
“Civil Safety has successfully delivered the Certificate II in Rural Operations to approximately 50 of our students and the Certificate I in Construction to around 30 students. This provides them with essential skills and qualifications for their future careers, and Civil Safety’s professionalism and commitment to our students’ education has been consistently outstanding.”
The initiative is part of Civil Safety’s broader commitment to supporting regional communities through skills-based training that aligns with local industries. By connecting young learners to real-world opportunities, the organisation is helping shape the future workforce of Far North Queensland.
About Civil Safety
Civil Safety is a leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO 32381) for the mining, civil and construction industries, with operations across Queensland and Western Australia. We provide safety and operational training to thousands of people every year from a diverse range of backgrounds. Our highly experienced trainers bring real-world experience to the classroom – ensuring our students graduate ready for work with the skills, confidence and qualifications required for safe and compliant operation in dangerous environments.
With a vast range of courses, plus a variety of learning methods including face-to-face, blended and online – we can help you gain the skills you need to enter a new industry or upskill in your current career.
Find out more information on the range of courses we offer, or give us a call on 1300 CIVIL S.