NCC prepares students with skill-based training for real world

Year 9 student Abigail Matchett doesn’t mind a bit of hard work.

Built on the grounds of an old pineapple farm, Nambour Christian College has always had its roots in agriculture. For over 40 years, the College community has acted as stewards of the land, teaching students the importance of quality food and farming, and imparting the greater life lessons that caring for animals and the environment offers.

Over time the College farm and Agricultural Science program has grown to become one of the most respected on the Sunshine Coast. “Offering a more organic style of learning, Agricultural Science at Nambour Christian College goes beyond the classroom to shape a generation of students that genuinely care for the land,” said NCC Head of Agricultural Science Phil Rienecker .

The most recent addition of certifications available to NCC is Rural Operations studied through The University of Queensland at Gatton. The students can do this course as a timetabled subject at NCC and have the opportunity to travel to the UQ campus at Gatton for practical training camps twice a year. 

And it’s not only Ag Science. At NCC students can acquire up to advanced diploma level across a range of vocational education and training areas including Hospitality, Baking, Furnishings, Manufacturing, Sport and Recreation, as well as learning the foundation skills for work.

VET provides courses for nine of the 10 occupations with the highest predicted growth over the next fives years. Students can gain QCE points while also building their career preparation skills with qualifications to help them get into their chosen industry. 

NCC’s Hospitality Trade Training Centre provide real-life experiences through the ability to work in a range of areas, including a commercial kitchen, 100 seat restaurant with an additional alfresco dining area and a fully equipped non-alcoholic bar.  

NCC’s Sport and Recreation qualification allows students to work in NCC’s fully functioning, open-to-the-public gym, Shalom Fitness.  

Meanwhile, the furnishing and manufacturing workshop is fitted with all the tools and equipment to ensure students feel they are working in a real-life cabinet-making business. 

The future of Vocational Education and Training at NCC is looking bright with the investigation into potential qualifications in other areas, including Health, Community Services, Business, Child Care and many more industries.