As part of her studies, she is undertaking a placement program at an Austral Eden dairy farm owned by Michael and Rebecca Jeffery.

Mae works every Monday at the dairy farm as well as weekends and during the holidays and is planning a career in agriculture.

Michael's family has been farming at Austral Eden, near Kempsey, in a family partnership for 27 years and milks a herd of 300 cows.

Michael is Chairman of the Board of Norco and is the Chairman of the Kempsey Dairy Industry Group.

Established in Byron Bay in 1895, Norco is a 100 per cent Australian farmer owned dairy co-operative.

Graham Bramley, Leader of Vocational Education and Training at St Paul's, said there are huge shortages of skilled rural workers across the country and plenty of opportunities for young people seeking a career in agriculture.

"The Certificate III in Agriculture offers students a comprehensive set of practical skills and the chance to specialise in a particular type of farming," Mr Bramley said.

"It teaches students farming basics and agriculture essentials, including dealing with different weather conditions and managing sustainability and production records; how to use and maintain farming machinery, tools and equipment and how to use chemicals safely and manage biosecurity threats."

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