Northern Mallee Horticulture Immersion Program

    Northern Mallee LLEN proudly leads the Northern Mallee Horticulture Immersion (NMHI) Program in partnership with Chaffey Secondary College, creating meaningful pathways for young people to explore careers in horticulture and agribusiness. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world industry experiences while developing practical skills, industry knowledge, and career aspirations.

    The NMHI Program is an intensive 18-week horticulture immersion experience designed for Year 9 students. Participants attend the Chaffey Secondary College Farm each Thursday throughout the semester, engaging in a combination of classroom learning, hands-on farm activities, industry visits, and direct interaction with horticultural professionals.
    Students gain valuable exposure to a broad range of horticulture sectors, including:
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    • Citrus production and orchard management
    • Plant propagation and nursery production
    • Soil science and plant nutrition
    • Irrigation and water management
    • Food manufacturing and packaging
    • Transport and logistics
    • Agricultural machinery and technology
    • Sustainability and environmental management
    • Parks, gardens, and landscaping
    • Careers across the horticulture and agribusiness industries

    The program is delivered within a structured and supportive framework that includes comprehensive workplace health and safety inductions, supervision by registered teachers, and strong partnerships with local industry leaders. These collaborations provide students with authentic workplace experiences and insights into one of the region’s most important industries.

    Throughout the program, students participate in carefully planned excursions and hands-on learning activities that build their understanding of horticultural practices, innovation, sustainability, and the diverse career opportunities available across the sector.
    The program concludes with a Graduation Ceremony, where participants showcase their learning journey through presentations and reflections, celebrating the skills, knowledge, and confidence they have developed over the 18 weeks.
     

    Program Impact

    In Semester 1, 2026, 11 students successfully completed the Northern Mallee Horticulture Immersion Program, representing three partnering secondary schools across the region. Their participation demonstrated the value of industry-based learning in inspiring future career pathways and strengthening connections between education and the horticulture sector.
     
    As the program continues to grow, Northern Mallee LLEN remains committed to supporting young people to discover rewarding opportunities within the horticulture industry while helping to build a skilled local workforce for the future.

    Partnering Schools

    Industry Partners

    Semester Two

    50%

    Sponsor's 2026

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    “are-able is proud to support initiatives like the NHMI Program that promote inclusion and remove barriers to participation. By ensuring students have the equipment they need to participate safely, we are helping create equitable opportunities and supporting the development of a capable and confident future workforce.”
    Chloe Baron
    Area Manager